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Tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent oral health concerns among Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly one-third of adults aged 15 and over have untreated tooth decay, and more than 40% of children aged 5–10 show signs of cavities in baby teeth (AIHW, 2021).
If left untreated, decay can progress deep into the tooth, leading to infection of the pulp — the soft tissue at the tooth’s center. In many cases, root canal therapy becomes the best option to remove the infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth. Unfortunately, due to cost concerns or lack of awareness, many people delay seeking help — risking more serious complications.
Here are the top signs you may need a root canal and why acting early makes all the difference.
A constant or throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away is one of the most common signs of pulp inflammation or infection. Pain may intensify when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
Why it matters: The infection may be damaging the surrounding nerves and tissue. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), untreated pulp infection can lead to abscess formation and bone loss (AAE, 2022).
If drinking hot coffee or cold water causes sharp or lingering pain, this could be an indication that the pulp inside your tooth is damaged. Normal sensitivity fades quickly, but prolonged discomfort may signal something more serious.
Clinical Insight: A 2019 study in the Journal of Endodontics noted that thermal sensitivity lasting more than 30 seconds often correlates with irreversible pulpitis, a condition requiring root canal therapy (Dummer et al., 2019).
Inflammation or tenderness around a specific tooth — sometimes accompanied by a small pimple-like bump on the gums (a sinus tract) — may indicate a spreading infection.
Source: Infections can cause abscesses that leak pus and damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
A tooth that turns gray or dark may have experienced trauma or pulp necrosis (death of the pulp tissue). Reduced blood flow and internal decay often cause discoloration.
Clinical Reference: Tooth discoloration is a known symptom of pulpal necrosis and can be one of the first external signs that intervention is needed (PubMed Central, 2020).
Whether from injury or biting something hard, cracks and chips can expose the pulp to harmful bacteria, leading to infection. Even if there’s no pain initially, bacteria can enter unnoticed and silently damage the tooth.
Fact: According to the AAE, cracked teeth are a leading cause of pulp inflammation requiring root canal treatment (AAE, 2022).
Delaying treatment increases the risk of:
Tooth loss
Spread of infection to other areas of the body
Costlier treatments like implants or dentures
Root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment that involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth. The procedure is painless under local anesthesia and has a high success rate — with most treated teeth lasting a lifetime (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
While tooth extraction removes the problem, it also leads to other complications, such as bone loss and shifting of surrounding teeth. A root canal preserves your natural tooth, maintains jawbone integrity, and avoids the need for costly replacements like dental implants or bridges.
Economical Tip: Studies have shown that root canal therapy is more cost-effective than extraction followed by prosthetic replacement (Health Technology Assessment, UK, 2013).
Tooth pain and other dental issues shouldn’t be ignored — especially if they match any of the warning signs listed above. A root canal can save your tooth, prevent future health issues, and eliminate pain.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, visiting a trusted Glebe dental clinic for assessment can help prevent further complications.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2021). Oral health in Australia. AIHW
American Association of Endodontists (2022). Root Canal Treatment. AAE
Dummer, P.M.H. et al. (2019). Thermal testing and diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. Journal of Endodontics. Link
PubMed Central (2020). Discoloration from pulp necrosis. PMC
Mayo Clinic (2023). Tooth Abscess: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Root Canal Overview. Cleveland Clinic
Health Technology Assessment (2013). Root canal vs extraction cost-effectiveness. NIHR
