Tooth pain is easy to ignore when it’s mild, but some symptoms are worth paying attention to. Here are five common signs that the nerve inside a tooth may be infected and could need root canal treatment.
1. Persistent or throbbing pain. Pain that lingers, especially when biting down or lying flat, often points to an infected nerve rather than simple sensitivity.
2. Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold. Brief sensitivity is normal, but pain that lasts well after the hot or cold is gone is a warning sign.
3. Swollen or tender gums. Swelling near a specific tooth can mean infection has spread beyond the tooth itself.
4. A darkening tooth. A tooth that changes color, often greyish, can indicate the nerve inside has been damaged.
5. A small bump on the gum. This can be a sign of a dental abscess and should be checked promptly.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait for the pain to get worse — an early exam can often mean simpler, more comfortable treatment.
Dr. Saleh Muhammad Shahid
BDS | PDAGD | C-Implant
10 Years of Dental ExperienceDr. Saleh Muhammad Shahid is a dental surgeon and co-founder of The Dentist in DHA Phase 8, Lahore. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced General Dentistry (PDAGD), and a C-Implant certification in Dental Implantology. He has 10 years of experience in dental care. He works alongside his wife, Dr. Mehek Iftikhar, a qualified female dentist in Lahore, and their dental team. The clinic provides general dental care, root canal treatment, teeth whitening, dental implants, and other dental services. The team listens to patients, explains treatment options, and plans care according to individual dental needs.