Signs You May Need a Root Canal: Symptoms, Causes and When to See a Dentist

4. Swollen or Tender Gums Around a Tooth

Infection inside a tooth can sometimes cause swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums. You may also notice redness, localised discomfort, or a small pimple-like bump near the affected tooth.

Such a bump can sometimes indicate a dental abscess or a pathway through which infection drains from the surrounding tissues. However, gum swelling can also occur due to periodontal disease or other dental conditions.

If swelling is accompanied by toothache, pus, a bad taste in the mouth, or increasing discomfort, seek prompt dental care. A dental infection should not be left untreated, as it can spread to surrounding tissues.

Facial or neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing requires emergency medical attention.

5. Tooth Discolouration

A tooth that becomes noticeably darker, brownish, or grey compared with surrounding teeth may have experienced damage to the dental pulp. This can happen following dental trauma or as a result of changes within the tooth.

Discolouration does not always mean that a root canal is necessary. Certain foods, drinks, medications, and other dental conditions can also affect tooth colour.

A dentist can assess the discoloured tooth and determine whether the pulp is healthy or damaged. If the tooth has developed irreversible pulp damage or infection, root canal treatment may be considered as part of the treatment plan.

6. Deep Tooth Decay

Tooth decay develops when bacteria and acids damage the hard outer layers of a tooth. If the decay progresses through the enamel and dentine and reaches the pulp, it can cause inflammation or infection.

In the early stages, a filling may be sufficient to restore the tooth. However, when the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, a regular filling may no longer be enough to address the underlying problem.