Most people delay root canal treatment out of fear, but modern techniques make the procedure far more comfortable than its reputation suggests. Here are five signs that may mean you need one, and what to expect if you do.
1. Persistent tooth pain
Ongoing pain, especially when biting or chewing, is one of the clearest signs of an infected tooth nerve.
2. Sensitivity that lingers
Brief sensitivity to hot or cold is normal, but pain that lingers for a while after the trigger is removed can point to nerve involvement.
3. Swelling near the tooth
Swelling in the gum around a specific tooth often indicates infection at the root.
4. A darkening tooth
A tooth that has darkened compared to its neighbours may mean the nerve inside is dying.
5. A recurring pimple on the gum
A small bump that keeps returning near a tooth is often a drainage point for a chronic infection.
If any of these sound familiar, book a consultation — early treatment is more comfortable and more likely to save the tooth.