Do I need a root canal? Signs you shouldn’t ignore Tooth pain can be easy to dismiss at first. Some people hope it will settle on its own, while others delay treatment because they feel nervous about visiting the dentist. Unfortunately, leaving dental pain untreated can often allow problems to worsen over time. If you have been experiencing persistent discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling, it may be a sign that the inside of the tooth has become infected. In many cases, root c