A toothache is the most common symptom of needing a root canal. If the tooth is still alive, you will experience extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods, and that sensitivity will continue even after the hot or cold stimulus is taken away from the tooth. Heat sensitivity, instead of cold, is a symptom that is very specific to a tooth requiring root canal treatment.
If you don’t visit your dentist as soon as the pain starts, your teeth might decay, and an extraction may be required.