A root canal procedure involves the removal of a tooth's inner, living tissues. Usually, this is done when you have an infection in the tooth. Removing the tooth's inner tissues will put an end to the infection and allow you to keep the tooth. So, how do you know you might need a root canal? Here are the key signs to watch out for.

"Pimples" and Pus Pockets on Your Gums

Pimples on your face are annoying, but not usually a sign of anything too sinister. But you should not ignore a pimple on your gums. More accurately known as a pus pocket, these are sure signs of infection. The white debris they contain is a mixture of bacteria, white blood cells, and lymph. Usually, the infection is in the tooth root, but the pimple occurs when the pressure builds up and some of the fluid needs to escape. The most common way to treat such an infection is with a root canal.

Tooth Sensitivity

Do you have a tooth that always feels painful or uncomfortable when you drink something hot or cold, or when you bite into something too hard? This sort of sensitivity can just indicate a serious cavity, but it often means you have an infection and need a root canal. The pain you feel is the nerve inside your tooth being hyper-sensitive to the pressure or temperature because it has an infection around it.

An Aching Sensation

Toothaches come in many forms. People often expect them to come with sharp, serious pain. But sometimes, a toothache may be mild and lingering. You may barely notice it at times, but find it intolerable at other times. Sometimes, the ache may feel like it's actually in your jaw or head. Don't worry too much about what a toothache feels like. If you have a toothache, you probably need a root canal.

A Black or Darkened Tooth

If your tooth starts to turn black or darken, that is usually because it is dying. The tissues inside the tooth are already dead. They may not be infected, but they are at risk for infection, so a root canal is usually recommended regardless.

If you are struggling with any of the symptoms above, talk to a dentist. They will look over your tooth, take some x-rays, and tell you for sure whether you need a root canal. The procedure is not that unpleasant, thanks to local anesthetics.