Do You Really Need a Root Canal? 7 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Tooth pain can be hard to ignore, but not every ache means you need a root canal. That said, when the inner part of your tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or damaged, a root canal might be the only way to save it.
At Lumi Dental in Winnipeg, we understand that the words “root canal” can sound intimidating. However, modern dentistry has made this treatment far more comfortable and efficient than most people expect. In fact, a root canal can relieve pain, not cause it and preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
Here’s what you should know about root canals, and seven warning signs that mean you shouldn’t wait to see your dentist.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or inflammation inside the tooth. When the pulp the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected due to decay or injury, it can cause severe pain and lead to further complications if left untreated.
During a root canal, your dentist:
Removes the infected pulp
Cleans and disinfects the inner chamber
Fills and seals the tooth to prevent future infection
A crown is usually placed afterward to restore strength and appearance. This procedure not only relieves pain but also saves your natural tooth, avoiding extraction.
Why It’s Important to Address Tooth Infections Early
Ignoring signs of infection can lead to serious problems, such as abscesses, bone loss, or spreading infection that affects nearby teeth. The sooner you visit your Winnipeg dentist, the easier and more comfortable the treatment will be.
7 Warning Signs You May Need a Root Canal
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
Ongoing or throbbing tooth pain is one of the most common signs that something is wrong deep inside your tooth. This pain may worsen when you bite down or eat, and may not go away with over-the-counter pain relief.
If the discomfort lingers for days, it’s important to have it checked by your dentist.
2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Lingers
Everyone experiences some tooth sensitivity from time to time, but if you notice sharp, lingering pain after consuming hot or cold foods, it could indicate nerve damage or infection.
This type of sensitivity often worsens over time, another clear signal that you may need a root canal.
3. Swollen or Tender Gums
If the gum tissue near a tooth feels swollen, tender, or even develops a small bump, it could be a sign of infection beneath the surface. This swelling may come and go, but recurring gum inflammation in one area is a red flag that the pulp inside the tooth may be infected.
4. Tooth Discoloration
A tooth that suddenly darkens or turns grayish in colour might indicate damage or infection inside the pulp. When the nerve dies, the tooth loses its natural colour and begins to darken from within.
Discoloration should always be evaluated by your dentist — even if it isn’t accompanied by pain.
5. Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth
If you feel pain or pressure when biting down, chewing, or even lightly touching a tooth, it may be due to infection in the surrounding nerves or tissues. This type of pain often indicates that bacteria have reached the pulp or surrounding bone, requiring root canal therapy to prevent further spread.
6. A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can expose the inner pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Even small chips caused by biting hard foods or sports injuries can lead to significant issues if left untreated.
If you’ve recently chipped a tooth and notice pain or sensitivity, schedule a dental exam as soon as possible.
7. A Tooth That Feels “Loose”
An infected tooth can sometimes feel slightly loose due to inflammation and the weakening of surrounding bone tissue. While this can also occur for other reasons (such as gum disease), a loose or shifting tooth combined with pain or swelling often points to an infection that requires a root canal.
What Happens If You Delay Treatment?
Putting off a needed root canal can allow infection to spread to other areas of your mouth, jawbone, or even your bloodstream. In severe cases, it can result in tooth loss or more invasive procedures later.
Early treatment is the best way to:
Stop pain quickly
Preserve your natural tooth
Avoid costlier dental work in the future
At Lumi Dental, our gentle approach and advanced technology ensure your root canal treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
What Modern Root Canal Treatment Feels Like
Thanks to modern techniques, digital imaging, and improved anesthetics, root canal therapy is now virtually pain-free. Most patients describe the experience as no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling.
After treatment, any mild soreness typically fades within a few days — and you’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile without the discomfort of an infected tooth.
How Lumi Dental in Winnipeg Can Help
At Lumi Dental, we focus on providing gentle, comprehensive care that helps you maintain a healthy, confident smile. Our Winnipeg dental team takes the time to understand your symptoms, explain every step of the process, and create a treatment plan tailored to your comfort.
We also emphasize preventive care, helping you avoid future root canals through regular cleanings, digital diagnostics, and personalized at-home care guidance.
Don’t Ignore the Signs. Save Your Tooth with Lumi Dental
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. A quick visit to Lumi Dental can make all the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
Our caring and experienced team is here to help diagnose the issue and provide the right treatment, including root canal therapy when needed, in a relaxing, patient-centred environment.
Contact Lumi Dental today to schedule your appointment with a trusted dentist in Winnipeg, and take the first step toward lasting relief and a healthier smile.
Your comfort comes first, and saving your smile is our priority.
