No one likes tooth pain — but sometimes it’s more than just a cavity or sensitivity. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do you know if you need a root canal?” you’re not alone. Many patients come to us unsure whether their symptoms are serious enough to require treatment. The truth is, recognizing the signs you need a root canal early can make all the difference in saving your tooth and avoiding more complicated problems down the road.

At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, our job is to help you understand those signals and provide relief when you need it most. Here are the most common root canal symptoms you should never ignore.

1. Persistent or Severe Tooth Pain

While occasional sensitivity is common, pain that lingers or worsens is often a red flag. If chewing, biting, or even touching your tooth brings sharp or throbbing pain, it could mean the nerve inside your tooth is infected or inflamed.

2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Doesn’t Go Away

Have you noticed your tooth zings or aches long after sipping coffee or ice water? That lingering sensitivity is one of the telltale root canal symptoms, pointing to nerve damage beneath the surface.

3. Swollen or Tender Gums Around One Tooth

Localized swelling, tenderness, or a small pimple-like bump on the gums can signal an abscess. This means infection is present — and often, a root canal is needed to treat it.

4. Tooth Discoloration

When the pulp inside a tooth is infected or dying, the tooth may turn darker or gray compared to neighboring teeth. This kind of discoloration shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it’s paired with other signs you need a root canal.

5. A Tooth That Feels “Different”

Sometimes patients describe their tooth as feeling loose, “heavy,” or just not right. These subtle changes can be your body’s way of signaling that something deeper is going on.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Waiting to see if the pain “just goes away” is risky. Infection inside a tooth doesn’t heal on its own — it only spreads. The earlier you recognize the root canal symptoms, the more likely we can save your natural tooth and help you avoid extraction.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do you know if you need a root canal?” and you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s time to talk to a professional. At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these issues with advanced care designed to relieve your pain and protect your smile.

Call our Idaho Falls or Pocatello office today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you need.