5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Written by: The clinical team at Fatima Dental Clinic
Published 22 January 2026 · Last reviewed 22 January 2026
Tooth infections rarely improve on their own. Spotting the early signs means you can see a dentist sooner, when treatment is simpler and more comfortable. Here are five signs a tooth may need root canal treatment.
1. Persistent or throbbing toothache
Pain that lingers, wakes you at night, or worsens when you bite can indicate the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed or infected.
2. Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Brief sensitivity is common, but pain that lasts long after the hot or cold source is removed can be a warning sign.
3. Gum swelling or a recurring gum pimple
Swelling near a tooth, or a small recurring bump on the gum, can indicate an abscess draining from an infected tooth.
4. A darkening tooth
A single tooth that becomes darker than its neighbours may have damaged pulp.
5. Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
Tenderness when biting can signal infection around the root.
These signs do not always mean you need a root canal, only a dental examination and X-ray can confirm the cause. If you notice any of them, book a check-up promptly.