A tooth may need root canal treatment when the soft tissue inside it becomes badly inflamed or infected. Early treatment can sometimes save the natural tooth.
Common warning signs
- Strong toothache or pain that keeps returning.
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold drinks.
- Pain when biting or touching the tooth.
- Swelling of the gum or face.
- A small pimple on the gum near the tooth.
- A tooth becoming darker after an injury.
- A deep cavity, crack or broken filling.
Can an infected tooth have no pain?
Yes. Sometimes the nerve stops responding and the pain reduces, but infection can remain around the root. This is why a dark tooth, gum swelling or an X-ray change should not be ignored.
What will the dentist check?
The dentist asks about symptoms, examines the tooth, tests how it responds and may take an X-ray. The result helps decide whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal, gum treatment or another form of care.
When is it urgent?
Seek prompt care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing or swelling near the eye. These symptoms should not wait for a routine visit.
Learn how root canal treatment saves an infected tooth, or book a dental assessment.