Do you have a toothache? Is it throbbing or sharp? If so, you might need a root canal.

A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat tooth pain and infection. Root canals are typically recommended when the damage or infection is too severe to be treated with a filling or other type of dental restoration. In this blog post, we will discuss six reasons why you might need a root canal.

Some people think that root canals are only necessary if you're in a lot of pain. However, that's not always the case. In fact, there are several reasons why you might need a root canal, even if you're not in pain. For example, if you have an infection in your tooth, a root canal can help to prevent the infection from spreading. Additionally, if you have a crack in your tooth, a root canal can help to prevent the crack from getting worse.

If you're not sure about where to start with diagnosing and treating these kinds of issues, definitely don't hesitate to contact our office for advice. We are always glad to help our neighbors in Granbury and the surrounding area figure out what they should do if they're experiencing tooth pain or think they might need a root canal.

Here are six reasons you might need a root canal:

Reason #1: You have an infection in your tooth

If you've ever had a toothache, you know how incredibly painful it can be. Unfortunately, tooth pain is often a sign that something is wrong. One possible cause of tooth pain is an infection in the root canal.

The root canal is the chamber inside the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. If this chamber becomes infected, it can cause severe pain. In order to relieve the pain and save the tooth, a root canal may be necessary.

During a root canal procedure, the infected tissue is removed and the root canal is cleaned out. After the root canal, the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. Although root canals can be unpleasant, they are often successful in relieving tooth pain and saving teeth from extraction.

Reason #2: You have a crack in your tooth

There are a few reasons why you might need a root canal if you have a cracked tooth. First, the crack can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to infection. Additionally, the crack can damage the root of the tooth, which can lead to pain and sensitivity. Finally, the crack can cause the tooth to become unstable.

Root canal treatment is designed to debride and disinfect the infected canal system. This treatment can help to relieve pain and restore your tooth to a functional condition.

Reason #3: You notice sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

One of the most common reasons people need a root canal is because they have sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you're eating ice cream and suddenly get a jolt of pain in your tooth, it could be because the dental pulp (the neurovascular tissue in your tooth) is exposed. This can happen if the tooth enamel starts to wear down, exposing the layer of dentin beneath. Dentin is not as hard as enamel, so once it's exposed, it can't protect the pulp as well. That means that every time you have something hot or cold, you're also stimulating the pulp, which can cause pain.

Likewise, you might need a root canal if you have pain when eating something hot. This is because root canals are used to treat teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. When the nerve of a tooth becomes inflamed, it can cause extreme sensitivity to hot temperatures. This can be very painful and make it difficult to eat. Root canals are used to remove the inflamed nerve and relieve the pain.

If you're having regular tooth pain, especially when you eat or drink something hot or cold, you should definitely mention it to your dentist or contact our office.

Reason #4: You notice gum tenderness

Most people know that root canals are often necessary when a tooth is severely decayed or infected. However, root canals can also be required for other reasons, such as gum tenderness.

Gum tenderness is usually caused by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth, which can be the result of several different conditions. In some cases, gum tenderness may be the first sign of periodontal disease, which is a serious infection of the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. In other cases, gum tenderness may be caused by gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. If gingivitis is not treated through home care and a dental cleaning by your dentist, it can eventually lead to periodontal disease.

Occasionally, a long standing root canal infection can cause an abscess, or a pus swelling, in the jaw bone. This will cause gum tenderness around your tooth, and a root canal may be necessary to treat the dental infection. By removing the damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth, root canals can help to restore the health of the gum tissue and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Reason #5: You've had trauma to your tooth (like an injury)

If you've had an injury to your tooth, it's possible that you'll need a root canal. This is because the crown of the tooth (the part of the tooth you see in your mouth) is responsible for protecting the nerve of the tooth. When the crown is damaged, it can expose the nerve, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.

In some cases, an injury may not cause immediate pain or damage to the tooth. However, it's important to have any injuries evaluated by a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible. This is because there may be underlying damage that isn't immediately apparent. If left untreated, this damage can eventually lead to infection or death of the tooth.

Reason #6: Your dentist referred you to Granbury Endodontics

You certainly can't argue with the experts! If your dentist has referred you to us, it's because he or she has likely noticed that additional expertise is needed to help manage the pain you're experiencing. Luckily, you're in good hands with us at Granbury Endodontics, and Dr. Nieves will work quickly to diagnose what needs to be done to help, all the while working with your dentist to make sure your treatment is a 360-degree process.