Tooth pain can have several causes. Deep decay, a crack or injury may affect the pulp inside a tooth, but symptoms alone cannot confirm whether root canal treatment is needed. A dental examination is the safest way to identify the cause and discuss suitable options.
Symptoms can include persistent or throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when biting, swelling near a tooth or a gum pimple. Some teeth with pulp problems have few symptoms, so absence of pain does not always rule out a problem.
These signs can also occur with other dental conditions. Do not attempt to diagnose the cause from symptoms alone.
The dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine the tooth and surrounding tissues, and may recommend dental X-rays or other tests when appropriate. The findings help determine whether root canal treatment, another treatment or monitoring is suitable.
Ask about the proposed steps, expected recovery, alternatives, costs and relevant risks before deciding.
Contact a dental professional promptly for severe or worsening pain, swelling, fever or difficulty opening your mouth. Facial swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care immediately.
Root canal treatment may help retain a natural tooth when the pulp is damaged or infected and the tooth can be restored. Suitability depends on examination findings and the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.
Learn about root canal treatment or dental fillings and cracked-tooth care.
For advice tailored to your situation, arrange an assessment with the clinic. Information on this page is general and does not replace a clinical examination.