Root Canal Symptoms: Top Signs You Need RCT in South Kolkata

Tooth pain can appear suddenly or gradually, and many people ignore early symptoms until the discomfort becomes unbearable. But certain signs clearly indicate that the nerve inside your tooth is infected — and this is when a root canal becomes necessary.

If you live in South Kolkata, especially near Baghajatin, Santoshpur or Jadavpur, this guide will help you identify the early warning signs and understand when to seek professional treatment.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?

A root canal is a treatment used to remove infection from the inside of a tooth. When the pulp (nerve) becomes infected due to deep decay or injury, the tooth becomes painful and sensitive. The treatment cleans the infection and saves the natural tooth.

Why Root Canals Are Important

• Removes infection before it spreads
• Eliminates pain
• Saves the natural tooth
• Prevents swelling and abscess
• Avoids future complications

Modern root canals are safe, quick and comfortable.

Sign 1: Persistent Tooth Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Pain that stays for hours or returns frequently is a major warning sign. This type of pain often worsens at night or while chewing.

When Pain Suggests Root Canal

• Deep throbbing pain
• Sharp pain while biting
• Pain radiating to the jaw or ear
• Pain coming in waves

Ignoring this can cause the infection to worsen.

Sign 2: Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Lingers Longer Than Normal

It’s normal to feel momentary sensitivity, but if the sensation stays for more than 10–30 seconds, it often means the nerve is damaged.

Common Sensitivity Issues

• Pain with hot tea or coffee
• Electric shock-like sensation
• Sensitivity triggered by cold water
• Lingering tingling or discomfort

This symptom is one of the strongest indicators of a root canal requirement.

Sign 3: Swollen or Tender Gums Near the Tooth

Gum swelling or redness near one specific tooth usually indicates infection.

Look Out for

• Localised swelling
• Tenderness when touching the gums
• Pimple-like bump (gum boil)
• Bad taste or pus discharge

This means the infection is spreading to the surrounding tissues.

Sign 4: Darkening or Discoloration of the Tooth

A tooth turning darker than the rest is a sign of nerve death. It could appear brown, grey or black.

Why This Happens

• Untreated cavity
• Trauma or injury
• Nerve damage
• Deep infection

Discoloration is often ignored by patients, but it is a major internal warning sign.

Sign 5: Pain While Chewing or Biting

If you experience a sharp pain when applying pressure, this may mean the infection has reached the root or bone.

Reasons for Chewing Pain

• Tooth fracture
• Abscess formation
• Deep cavity touching the nerve
• Inflammation of the root tip

A dentist should check this symptom immediately.

Sign 6: The Tooth Feels “Loose” or Raised

An infected tooth may feel like it is sitting higher than the rest due to swelling inside the bone.

Symptoms to Notice

• Tooth feels raised
• Slight movement
• Pain while tapping the tooth
• Pressure when biting

This is often seen in moderate to severe infections.

Sign 7: Pimple on the Gum (Dental Abscess)

A gum boil or pus-filled bump is a clear sign of an abscess — a serious dental infection.

What It Means

• Infection has reached the root
• Pus is draining through the gum
• Immediate treatment is required

Delaying this can cause swelling and fever.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful Today?

No. Modern root canal treatment is painless because of advanced anesthesia and rotary systems.

What Patients Usually Feel

• Mild pressure during cleaning
• Temporary soreness after procedure
• Immediate relief from severe pain

Most patients say it’s as comfortable as a normal filling.

What Happens If You Delay a Root Canal?

Avoiding treatment can lead to severe complications.

Risks of Postponing Treatment

• Increased pain
• Gum swelling
• Abscess formation
• Bone loss
• Tooth extraction may become necessary

Early treatment saves the tooth and reduces discomfort.

Why Choose City Smiles Dental Care for Root Canal Treatment in South Kolkata

City Smiles offers advanced endodontic care with the latest technology.

What We Provide

• Painless anesthesia
• Single-sitting root canals (case-based)
• Rotary and digital RCT systems
• Experienced RCT specialist
• Comfortable clinic environment

We treat patients from Baghajatin, Santoshpur, Jadavpur and nearby areas with care and precision.

Areas We Serve in South Kolkata

We are conveniently located for patients from:

• Baghajatin
• Santoshpur
• Jadavpur
• Garfa
• Garia
• Selimpur
• Patuli

Final Takeaway

Tooth infection symptoms should never be ignored. Persistent pain, sensitivity, swelling or discoloration are key indicators that you may need a root canal. Early treatment is the safest and most comfortable approach.