If an infection of the pulp goes untreated it will start to cause pain and swelling. It may also cause an abscess to form. If you start to experience pain and swelling you should consult your dentist immediately.
These are common symptoms experienced by patients in need of a root canal treatment:
- Pain when biting down, touching or pushing on the area
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling around the tooth
- Discolouration of the tooth
- The tooth is broken
If you have an infection of the pulp, you may not feel any pain. In some cases the pus is able to drain away through a fistula (tunnel) through the bone and there won’t be a pressure build-up in the area. Your dentist will be able to recognise the infection on an X-ray of your teeth. In this instance, your tooth will still need root canal treatment.