7 Signs That Your Tooth Has a Root Canal Infection

If you have been feeling persistent pain in your tooth and it seems like it just won’t go away, you might be wondering what’s causing it. Sometimes, this could only be tooth decay that has been left untreated. However, in some cases, the reason could be even worse, like maybe a root canal infection, which is a condition that can affect the nerve and blood supply inside your tooth.

We understand that no one wants to expect the worst to ever happen, but how can you tell if your tooth is already infected? What signs should you be aware of to say that it could be a root canal infection, and when should you see a dentist?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on inside your tooth and the key symptoms to watch out for.

What Is a Root Canal Infection?

Inside every tooth is a soft area called the pulp, which holds the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. This pulp provides sensation to the tooth as well as hot and cold sensation . The pulp is located in a space called the root canal, which runs down through the centre of the tooth and connects to the bone.

Generally speaking, when the pulp is healthy, the tooth feels fine and normal, where you can eat, chew and drink without pain. But if the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to different problems like tooth decay, deep cracks, trauma, or multiple fillings, the pulp may start to die inside the tooth and form an infection..

Once the pulp dies, it becomes dead necrotic tissue that’s full of bacteria, which now causes a root canal infection. This is when your tooth gets painful and uncomfortable to chew, drink or just speak.

When that happens, it’s time to take action. 

7 Signs That You May Have Root Canal Infection

1. Persistent, Throbbing Toothache

One of the most common and noticeable root canal infection symptoms you may feel is a constant toothache. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing sensation, which people often report getting worse at night or when they are trying to sleep.

If you have a tooth that hurts without any clear reason or if the pain seems to be getting stronger, it could be best worth seeing your dentist as soon as possible.

2. Pain When Biting or Chewing

There can be many causes of pain when you start to bite to chew on food, and sometimes, this could be a sign of root canal infection. It might be that the surrounding bone may be inflamed, or the pressure may be pushing on infected tissue inside the tooth, which causes the pain you feel when you bite or chew on your favourite food.

3. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Teeth can sometimes be sensitive after dental work or when brushing too hard. But when a tooth reacts strongly or for a long time to hot drinks or cold foods, this could be a sign the pulp is damaged or infected. This kind of sensitivity is often deeper and longer-lasting than usual, and may feel like a sharp, shooting pain.

4. Swelling of the Gums or Face

When you have an infected root canal, one of the signs you may notice is the swelling of your gums, cheek or jaw. Sometimes, this can manifest to:

• A small pimple or bump on the gum near the tooth
• Red, tender or swollen gum tissue
• Puffiness in the cheek or under the eye

5. Darkening or Discolouration of the Tooth

When the pulp begins to die, the tooth also starts to change its colour. To know if it is a root canal infection, a tooth can appear grey, brown or darker than the surrounding teeth.

While discolouration is not always caused by infection, it’s a symptom worth getting checked out, especially if it pairs alongside pain or swelling.

6. Bad Taste or Smell in the Mouth

In some cases, an infected root canal can also leak fluid or pus out of the gums. You will notice this when you have a bad taste in your mouth or a persistent unpleasant smell, even after brushing. This is a sign that bacteria are active and the infection could already be spreading.

7. Trouble Sleeping Due to Pain

If the pain from your tooth is keeping you up at night, or you find it getting worse when lying down, this is a strong indicator of advanced pulp inflammation or infection. This type of discomfort will not go away on its own, even with pain relievers. The longer it’s left untreated, the more serious it can become.

Important: To ensure that what you’re feeling is, indeed, a root canal infection, it’s better to have it checked with your dentist for a more in-depth assessment of your dental health. 

READ MORE: WHAT TO EXPECT DURING ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Know the Signs and Act Early

Tooth infections are one of the most shrugged off pain by many people, but what looks fine on the outside can be serious on the inside. The good thing is they are also highly treatable when caught early.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or any of the symptoms listed above, it’s better to seek the attention of your dentist to give you relief right away. When you’re located in or around Blackburn, VIC, visit our team at Whitehorse Dental to know whether you need an infected root canal treatment or not. 

Consult our experienced dentists today by booking an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is shared to provide general guidance and education about oral health topics. It is not a substitute for personalised dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For concerns specific to your dental needs, we recommend speaking directly with a qualified dental professional.