Tooth pain can range from mild irritation to sharp, throbbing aches that keep you up at night — but how do you know when it’s something serious?
Sometimes, discomfort means your tooth’s inner pulp is infected or damaged, and that’s when a root canal may be needed to save it.
At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we specialize in gentle, pain-free root canal treatments for patients across Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Pocatello, Hailey, Burley, Jackson Hole, and Pinedale. Here are the top warning signs to watch for — and when to call us before things get worse.
1. Persistent Tooth Pain That Won’t Go Away
If your toothache lingers for days or gets worse when you chew, it’s more than a simple cavity.
Constant pain often means the pulp (the nerve inside your tooth) is inflamed or infected. A root canal can relieve that pain while saving your natural tooth — no extraction needed.
Act Fast: If pain persists beyond 48 hours or radiates to your jaw or ear, call your dentist or endodontist immediately.
2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Lingers
It’s normal to feel a little zing from an icy drink — but if that sharp pain lingers for several seconds or minutes after exposure, it’s a red flag.
This can mean your tooth’s nerve is irritated or dying.
Act Fast: Don’t ignore temperature sensitivity that’s getting worse. Early treatment can prevent infection and save your tooth from a more serious procedure later.
3. Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums
A small bump, pimple, or swelling near your tooth’s root can indicate infection or an abscess. This happens when bacteria build up in the pulp and spread to surrounding tissues.
Act Fast: Gum swelling or a pus-filled bump is never normal. You’ll need endodontic treatment as soon as possible to stop the infection before it spreads.
4. Darkening or Discoloration of the Tooth
When the pulp inside your tooth becomes damaged, the tooth may start to look gray, yellow, or brown compared to others. This is a sign that the nerve is dying or dead.
Act Fast: If a single tooth suddenly looks darker than the rest, it’s time to see an endodontist for an evaluation.
5. Pain When Biting or Chewing
If you feel pain when putting pressure on your tooth, it could mean the pulp is infected or there’s a crack reaching into the nerve.
Act Fast: Don’t wait — biting pain often means there’s internal damage that won’t heal on its own. A root canal can relieve the pressure and prevent further cracking or infection.
6. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Even a small chip or crack can allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s inner pulp, leading to infection over time.
If your tooth was injured during sports, a fall, or while chewing something hard, watch for increasing sensitivity or pain afterward.
Act Fast: Cracks don’t always hurt immediately — but once infection sets in, the pain can become severe quickly. Schedule an exam to be safe.
7. Swollen Jaw or Facial Tenderness
When infection spreads beyond the tooth, it can cause noticeable swelling in the jaw, cheek, or face. This means the infection is spreading and could become dangerous if untreated.
Act Fast: This is an emergency situation. Seek immediate care from your dentist or an endodontist. A root canal or drainage procedure may be necessary to stop the infection.
Why Acting Fast Matters
Infections inside your tooth won’t go away on their own — and delaying treatment can lead to:
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Tooth loss
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Bone infection
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Facial swelling
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Increased treatment cost and complexity
The good news? A root canal treatment is quick, comfortable, and often completed in just one or two visits. It removes the infection, saves your tooth, and restores your smile — all with minimal downtime.
The Gentle Root Canal Experience at Eastern Idaho Endodontics
We understand that the words “root canal” can sound intimidating, but our patients often tell us the experience was easier than a filling.
Using 3D imaging, modern numbing techniques, and a gentle approach, we make sure your comfort comes first — every time.
Whether you’re in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Hailey, Burley, Jackson Hole, or Pinedale, our team is here to help you find relief and protect your long-term oral health.
Don’t Wait for the Pain to Get Worse
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call Eastern Idaho Endodontics today.
Early treatment could save your tooth — and your peace of mind.
