4 signs you might need root canal therapy

A sudden sharp pain in your tooth, persistent discomfort, or visible changes in your gums can be more than just minor annoyances. These symptoms might indicate that you need root canal therapy. By addressing issues within the tooth's pulp, this treatment can restore your comfort and protect your overall oral health. But how do you know if you actually need one? In today's blog post, we’ll explore the four most common signs that suggest it’s time to call your an endodontist like Dr. Francisco Nieves and consider root canal therapy.

Wait, what even is root canal therapy?

First, a quick refresher on what a root canal is. A "root canal" is a procedure that involves removing infected tissue within the root canal system, AKA the inside of your tooth. Root canal therapy (an updated word for "root canal") is used when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or significant injuries. Through root canal therapy, the endodontist removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inner tooth and seals it to prevent further issues.

Now that you know what this treatment is all about, here are the signs that you shouldn’t ignore.

Sign #1: Persistent toothache

A lingering toothache is one of the most apparent indicators that there might be a problem. While tooth pain can stem from various causes, persistent or worsening discomfort often suggests pulp damage or infection.

What does the pain feel like?

The pain might range from a dull throb to a sharp, stabbing sensation. Some patients describe it as a radiating ache that spreads to the jaw, ear or nearby teeth. You might notice that the pain intensifies while biting, chewing or even when lying down at night.

If the ache doesn’t subside after a day or two or keeps coming back, it’s time to reach out to an endodontist like Dr. Nieves. Treating the infection early with root canal therapy can alleviate your pain and save your tooth.

Sign #2: Sensitivity to temperature

Does sipping a hot cup of coffee or enjoying a cold scoop of ice cream send a sharp jolt through your tooth? Temperature sensitivity, especially when it lingers long after the hot or cold stimulus is gone, could mean your tooth pulp is compromised.

Why does this happen?

When the enamel or dentin protecting your tooth’s pulp gets damaged, the nerve inside becomes exposed. This exposure makes the pulp more responsive to extreme temperatures. While some mild sensitivity can be normal, extreme or prolonged reactions signal a deeper problem that may require a root canal.

Sign #3: Swollen gums

Swelling around the affected tooth is another telltale sign of a potential infection. Swollen gums might feel tender, look redder than usual, or appear more prominent around the problem area. Sometimes, the swelling may come and go, leading patients to think it’s improving on its own.

What causes this swelling?

When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, the surrounding tissue reacts, leading to swelling. Left untreated, the infection could spread beyond the tooth, causing abscesses or more significant health concerns.

You might even notice a small pimple-like bump on your gums near the painful tooth, known as a dental abscess. This bump sometimes drains pus, resulting in an unpleasant taste in your mouth or bad breath. If you notice this, seek treatment promptly.

Sign #4: Discoloration of the tooth

One of the surprising symptoms of pulp damage is a change in your tooth’s color. Teeth are naturally a shade of white, but when the internal pulp is damaged, the blood supply to the tooth decreases, and the tooth may start looking gray or darker over time.

What should you look for?

It’s not just subtle discoloration. If one of your teeth looks significantly darker than the others or the shade seems to be changing beyond normal staining, it could point to dental trauma or infection in the pulp.

This type of discoloration won’t improve with regular brushing or whitening products, as the problem lies inside the tooth rather than on the surface.

Why you shouldn't ignore the symptoms

Pain and discomfort are your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. Ignoring these signs could lead to more severe issues, including abscesses, tooth loss, or even systemic health problems. Root canal therapy is not something to fear. Instead, think of it as a way to relieve pain and safeguard your tooth for the future.

At Granbury Endodontics, Dr. Francisco Nieves and his team specialize in providing comfortable and effective care for these exact situations. With years of experience as a board-certified endodontist and access to advanced endodontic tools, they’re committed to making the process as smooth as possible.

Protect your smile today with our team at Granbury Endodontics

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early intervention is key. Contact Dr. Francisco Nieves at Granbury Endodontics and schedule an evaluation. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan focused on restoring your comfort and protecting your beautiful smile.