Do You Really Need a Root Canal? Signs It’s Time to Stop Waiting

The words root canal can strike fear into just about anyone. Maybe you’ve been told you need one but haven’t booked the appointment yet. Maybe your toothache has been getting worse, but you’re hoping it just goes away. Or maybe you’re not sure what a root canal even is – only that it sounds unpleasant.

We’re here to clear things up.

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we see patients every day who waited too long to treat a tooth that really needed a root canal. Some hoped the pain would go away. Others didn’t realise it was that serious. But the truth is, root canals are not as scary as you think, and the sooner you act, the better the outcome for your tooth and your comfort.

In this article, we’ll explain what a root canal is, the signs that you might need one, what happens if you delay treatment, and how we make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or severely inflamed tooth pulp. That’s the soft tissue in the centre of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.

When bacteria get into the pulp, through a deep cavity, crack, or injury, it can become inflamed or infected. That’s when a root canal becomes necessary.

During the procedure, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, disinfects it, and seals it up. The result? You keep your natural tooth and stop the infection in its tracks.

Why People Worry About Root Canals

Root canals have a bad reputation, mostly thanks to outdated stories. Many people think they’re painful, expensive, or overly invasive. But here’s the reality:

• Modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
• The pain you’re feeling is from the infection, not the treatment.
• A root canal actually relieves pain – it doesn’t cause it.
• With advanced techniques and anaesthetic, the experience is very manageable.

Common Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to stop waiting and seek dental help. The sooner the issue is treated, the greater the chance your tooth can be saved.

Persistent Pain: Tooth pain that doesn’t go away is a strong indicator something is wrong deep inside the tooth. The pain may come and go, or it might be constant and throbbing. It can also radiate to your jaw, ear, or other parts of your face.

Pain while biting or applying pressure is another warning sign that the pulp or root may be damaged.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
If your tooth reacts strongly to hot drinks or cold foods—and the discomfort lingers long after the temperature is gone – this may mean the nerve is inflamed or infected.

Mild sensitivity is common, but if it becomes intense or persistent, it’s time to get it checked.

Swollen Gums or a Small Bump on the Gums
Swelling near a tooth can indicate infection. In some cases, you may see a small bump that looks like a pimple on your gum, this is often a dental abscess, which forms when pus collects near the root of the tooth.

Left untreated, this infection can spread beyond the tooth and become dangerous.

Discolouration of the Tooth
A tooth that turns dark or grey may have damaged pulp inside. This can be the result of trauma or internal decay, and it may require a root canal to preserve the tooth.

A Cracked or Chipped Tooth
If your tooth is cracked or chipped and you begin to experience pain, the inner tissue may be exposed to bacteria. Even if the damage seems small, it can lead to infection over time.

Cracks may not always be visible, but if you feel pain when chewing or sensitivity to pressure, it’s worth getting checked.

What Happens If You Wait?

Delaying a root canal can turn a treatable problem into a much more serious one. Here’s what can happen if the infection spreads:

• The pain may increase and become harder to manage.
• An abscess can form and cause swelling in your face or jaw.
• The infection can damage the bone supporting the tooth.
• The tooth may become unsalvageable and require extraction.
• In rare cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream, leading to serious health risks like sepsis.

Waiting doesn’t make the problem go away. It only gives the infection time to grow.

Why a Root Canal is Better Than Extraction

When people are in pain, they often ask, “Can’t I just have the tooth pulled?”

While extractions are sometimes necessary, keeping your natural tooth is always the preferred option when possible. Here’s why:

• A root canal preserves your tooth structure and function.
• You avoid the cost and complexity of replacing a missing tooth.
• Natural teeth help maintain your bite, jaw health, and appearance.
• Replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge is more involved than simply saving the tooth with a root canal.

What is the Procedure Like?

Root canal treatment at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist is designed to be fast, efficient, and comfortable.

Here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll receive local anaesthetic, so the area is completely numb.
• The dentist will isolate the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean the canals.
• The tooth is then filled and sealed to prevent future infection.
• In many cases, a crown is placed to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
• The entire procedure usually takes one or two visits, depending on the complexity.

We also offer in-house CT scanning, which helps us assess the situation thoroughly and plan the best course of action right from your first visit.

Who Performs Root Canals at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist?

You’ll be in the hands of highly experienced clinicians. In fact, our team includes:

• Endodontists who specialise in treating the inside of teeth.
• General dentists with years of emergency experience.
• Specialists who can assist with follow-up procedures like crowns or cosmetic restoration.

Our clinics are open 24/7, so if your pain flares up in the middle of the night or over the weekend, you won’t have to wait for relief.

Do I Need to Prepare for a Root Canal?

No special preparation is usually required, but here are a few things that can help:

• Eat a meal beforehand (you may be numb for a few hours afterward).
• Take any prescribed medication as directed.
• Let us know if you’re nervous – we’re happy to walk you through the process and can take breaks as needed.

Final Thoughts: If You’re Wondering, It’s Time to Ask

If you’ve been living with tooth pain or sensitivity and suspect something’s not quite right, don’t wait. A root canal might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a tooth-saving procedure that can restore your comfort and health.

The team at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist is here to help, day or night. Whether it’s a newly developing issue or a long-ignored one, we’re ready to assess, diagnose, and treat you, often in the very first appointment.

Your tooth is trying to tell you something. Let’s listen together and take action before it’s too late.