How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs include lingering pain after hot or cold, a deep throbbing ache, pain when biting on one spot, a pimple-like bump on the gum, swelling, or a darkening tooth. Only an exam can confirm it, so call your dentist if these sound familiar.

Does a root canal hurt?

A root canal relieves pain rather than causing it. The tooth is fully numbed before treatment, and nitrous oxide is available for anxious patients. Most patients find it easier than expected.

What happens if I wait to treat it?

The infection does not resolve on its own. It spreads and worsens, and a routine root canal can turn into an extraction or a more serious infection. Early treatment is simpler and less expensive.

Do you see dental emergencies in Trussville?

Yes. Call Toups Family Dentistry at (205) 655-7061 and if we can see you same-day, we will.

Do I Need a Root Canal? The Signs, and What to Expect

Oct 21

Written By Andrew Rape

Tooth pain has a way of taking over your whole day. If it is deep, lingering, or comes with sensitivity that will not quit, a root canal may be the fix. Here is how to tell, and why the procedure is far gentler than its reputation.

What is a root canal, really?

A root canal treats infection inside the tooth. When decay or a crack reaches the soft tissue at the center of a tooth, that tissue becomes inflamed and infected, which is what causes the deep, throbbing pain. During treatment we clean out the infected tissue, disinfect the space, and seal the tooth. That ends the pain and saves your natural tooth instead of pulling it.

Signs you might need a root canal

Not every toothache means a root canal, but these are the signs worth getting checked:

Lingering pain after something hot or cold, rather than a quick twinge that fades
A deep, throbbing ache, sometimes bad enough to wake you at night
Pain when you bite down or chew on one particular spot
A small pimple-like bump on the gum near the sore tooth
Swelling or tenderness in the gum around the tooth
A tooth that has darkened compared to the ones next to it

If any of these sound familiar, call us at (205) 655-7061. The sooner we take a look, the more options you have.

What happens if you ignore it?

The infection does not clear up on its own. It spreads, the pain grows, and what could have been a routine root canal can turn into a tooth extraction or a more serious infection. Catching it early is almost always simpler, more comfortable, and less expensive.

Does a root canal actually hurt?

This is the myth we most want to put to rest. A root canal relieves pain, it does not cause it. We numb the tooth thoroughly before we begin, and for anxious patients we offer nitrous oxide to help you relax. Most patients tell us afterward that it was far easier than they expected.

What to expect at your visit

We make sure the tooth is fully numb, remove the infected tissue, disinfect the canal, and seal it. In most cases we then place a crown to protect the treated tooth so it can function normally for years. You can read the full step by step on our root canal therapy page, and see all of our specialized options on the advanced care page.

When to call Toups Family Dentistry

If you are in Trussville and dealing with a toothache that will not quit, do not wait it out. Call us and if we can see you same-day, we will. New patient? You can complete your forms online before you come in so your visit starts on time.

Toups Family Dentistry is a doctor-owned family practice at 4917 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173. Dr. Margaret Toups is accepting new patients, with same-day openings for urgent needs.

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Andrew Rape