How Do You Know If You Need Root Canal Treatment?

When a tooth hurts, it can be hard to know what’s actually going on. Is it a simple cavity? Sensitivity? Or something more serious? Root canal therapy is a common treatment that can save a damaged or infected tooth, but many people don’t know the warning signs that they might need one. If you’re struggling with tooth pain or even a tooth that just doesn’t feel quite right, our team at Anderson Family Dental can help you figure out if you need root canal treatment in Winter Park, FL.

Understanding the symptoms, along with their causes, can help you get the proper care quickly and avoid bigger problems down the road. Here’s how to tell whether you may need a root canal treatment and why getting help early makes all the difference.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

A root canal is a tunnel that runs through the middle of each tooth root, which provides access for the nerve and blood vessels. The root canal connects to the pulp chamber, which sits deep inside the crown of the tooth. 

These structures keep our teeth strong and healthy by delivering nutrients and help us feel when something is wrong with the tooth. They also provide feedback so we can understand how hard we’re biting down and when we should stop.

If the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed from deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work, it can cause significant pain. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future problems.

The treatment relieves pain and helps you keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for an extraction. Most root canal treatments feel similar to getting a regular filling and bring fast relief once the infection is removed.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

It can be hard to tell what’s wrong with a tooth and what kind of treatment you might need. Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson provide thorough examinations using advanced digital imaging to get to the bottom of any issues you’re having and determine whether you need treatment for a damaged root canal in Winter Park, FL.

Here are some signs to look for that might mean you need root canal therapy.

1. Persistent Tooth Pain

Tooth pain doesn’t always mean you need a root canal, but ongoing or severe pain is one of the biggest signs that something deeper is happening.

You may notice:

• A constant ache

• Pain that comes and goes but keeps returning

• Pain that gets worse when biting or chewing

• Pain that spreads into the jaw, ear, or face

Many people describe it as a “throbbing” or “pressure” feeling inside the tooth.

If the pain lasts more than a day or two, it’s important to have it evaluated, especially if over-the-counter pain relief doesn’t seem to help. Persistent pain often means the nerve is irritated or infected, which is something that won’t go away on its own.

2. Temperature Sensitivity That Lingers

Many people have mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods, especially if they have exposed enamel or gum recession. But root-canal–related sensitivity behaves differently.

You might need a root canal if you notice:

• Sharp, intense pain from something hot or cold

• Sensitivity that lingers for 10–30 seconds (or longer)

• A deep “zinging” sensation that feels like it’s coming from inside the tooth

• New heat sensitivity in one tooth

Sensitivity that changes suddenly in intensity, what triggers it, or how long it lasts can be a strong indicator that the nerve of the tooth is dying or has become damaged or infected.

3. Swollen or Tender Gums Near One Tooth

Gum swelling is another sign that the infection inside the tooth is spreading outward.

Look for:

• A small, raised bump (like a pimple) near where the gums attach to the cheeks

• Tenderness when you press near the tooth

• Redness or puffiness on one side

• A bad taste in your mouth (sometimes from drainage)

That “pimple” is called a fistula, and it forms when infection tries to drain. It’s a strong indicator that a root canal is needed.

4. A Dark or Discolored Tooth

If one tooth suddenly looks darker than the others, it may be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth has died. Trauma like a fall, sports injury, or accident can cause this, even years after it happened.

A tooth that turns gray, brown, or black isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s often a sign that the inside is no longer healthy. A root canal can remove the damaged tissue and potentially save the tooth. Our team can also provide cosmetic treatments like dental crowns, veneers, or internal tooth whitening in Winter Park to restore the look of the tooth and keep your smile looking its best.

5. Pain When Biting or Chewing

Pain or pressure when you bite down is a common sign of an infected or inflamed tooth root.

You might feel:

• Sharp pain when chewing

• Discomfort when touching the tooth

• A feeling that the tooth is “higher” or more sensitive than the others

This can happen when the infection irritates the ligament that holds the tooth in place. Without treatment, the infection can spread and cause serious problems.

6. A Damaged Tooth or Dental Restoration

A damaged tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria. Even a small crack can allow germs to enter the inner layers.

You may need a root canal if:

• A crack is causing sensitivity

• A chip exposes deeper tooth layers

• Pain develops after a break

• The tooth changes color after injury

• You have an untreated cavity

• A cavity develops under a crown or filling

• Old dental work has started to leak or break down

Treating the infection early can prevent the tooth from worsening or needing extraction. Keeping up with recommended treatments and replacing dental work when it reaches the end of its lifespan will help minimize your risk of needing a root canal treatment.

7. The Problem Isn't Improving (or Gets Worse)

Sometimes mild tooth discomfort can be monitored, but if symptoms are getting worse and not better, your body may be signaling that the infection is growing.

Signs the issue is progressing include:

• Increasing pain

• New swelling

• Worsening sensitivity

• Difficulty sleeping due to throbbing

• Pain that wakes you at night

Infections inside teeth do not heal on their own. Root canal therapy stops the infection and keeps it from spreading.

KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY AND PAIN-FREE WITH GENTLE ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS IN WINTER PARK, FL

Knowing the signs of a failing or infected tooth helps you get care early, before the problem becomes urgent. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Get in touch to schedule a consultation for root canal treatment in Winter Park. We provide comprehensive care, including dental crowns to protect root canal treated teeth.

If your tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry. We can rebuild a strong, healthy smile with durable tooth replacements after your infected tooth is removed. Whatever your smile needs, our team at Anderson Family Dental can determine the cause and help you feel better fast.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

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Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD

Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE