A Clinical View of How a Treatable Tooth Becomes a Dental Emergency Most people think a root canal hits out of nowhere, like their tooth felt okay one day then hurt the next. Truth is, that sudden pain almost never comes without warning. These infections follow a clear path inside the tooth, starting with small signs - maybe just discomfort when eating something hot or cold. Slowly it moves forward, even if you barely notice. By the time swelling or sharp pain shows up, things have already gone too far. Spotting those quiet changes early makes a big difference later on. Waiting only turns manageable issues into dental emergency nobody plans for. Stage One: Early Sensitivity and Enamel Breakdown The root canal process usually begins with damage to the protective outer layers of the tooth. This may be caused by decay, microscopic cracks, worn restorations, or trauma. At this stage, bacteria have not yet reached the pulp, but the tooth’s defense system is compromised. ...