Several signs and symptoms indicate it may be time to go in for a root canal. Symptoms to look for include:

• Severe Pain  — Any type of oral pain is unpleasant and should be brought to a dentist’s attention, but certain types of pain may signify root canal pain. This includes sudden tooth pain that comes in quickly and abruptly; certain positions cause the gums or tooth to hurt worse, and pressure on the tooth and face when lying or bending down.
• Bumps on the Gums  — If there are any bumps on the gums, it could be a sign of an infected tooth needing a root canal. These pimple-like bumps are known as fistulae (singular, fistula).
• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold  — While temperature sensitivity is not always indicative of a root canal, the type of sensitivity associated with root canal pain typically lingers longer after the food and drink is consumed.
• Swollen Gums — Another sign of an infected tooth is swollen and sensitive gums. This is different from the inflammation that can occur after flossing or brushing too vigorously; the gums are swollen, tender, and painful to the touch.
• Darkening of the Gums — If the gums become darkened, it is a sign that they are decayed. If there is an infection and the tooth is dying, the gums will begin to decay, a telltale sign that a root canal is needed.
• Chipped or Cracked Tooth — A chipped or cracked tooth is a two-fold sign that a tooth may need a root canal. First, a chipped or cracked tooth can lead to inflammation and infection; second, the tooth may have cracked or chipped because it is weakened by decay. Either way, a root canal will likely be necessary to save the remainder of the tooth.
• Tender Gums — If the gums are tender to the touch, or even without touch, it may be caused by root canal pain.
• An Abscess — An abscess is something that will be seen on an X-ray as a dark spot; it can occur on the gums adjacent to the teeth, or at the tooth root tip.