If you see your dentist for a sudden, severe, or persistent toothache, you might not be surprised when they recommend treating it with a root canal. If bacteria in your mouth penetrate a damaged, decayed, or injured tooth, it can infect the tender pulp inside. This can trigger a painful inflammation in the nerve of your tooth, which might be the reason it hurts so much.
However, if you’ve been told you need this procedure but you’re not hurting, it’s natural to wonder why. Continue reading to learn about when root canals are required and why discomfort isn’t a prerequisite!
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canals are typically recommended if you have a tooth that’s too damaged to be effectively fixed by a tooth-colored filling. First, your dentist will numb the area so you feel comfortable and relaxed the entire time. Then, they’ll use special instruments to gently create a small opening in your enamel and clear out infected materials.
Next, they’ll sanitize your tooth and seal it closed to prevent bacteria from entering it, which could cause another infection. Usually, they cement a customized dental crown over the treated tooth to protect it from additional harm and preserve its functionality.
Do I Need a Root Canal if I’m Not Hurting?
If your toothache miraculously disappeared, or if you never had one in the first place, you might question why your dentist wants to perform a root canal. After all, why undergo an invasive procedure if there’s no pain to alleviate?
Unfortunately, the truth is that you might have an infected tooth requiring repair, even if it doesn’t hurt. For example, if you visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, they might catch the problem and treat it before the infection progresses and starts to ache. However, it’s also possible that bacteria did enough damage to the nerve in your tooth that it no longer functions.
Treating it quickly can keep the disease from spreading to your neighboring teeth, gums, or jawbone to preserve your dental health.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Knowing what symptoms to look for can help you determine when it’s time to call your dentist to fix an injured pearly white. Some common signs that you might need a root canal can include:
- Sensitivity. If you feel a tender or tingling sensation, especially when biting into anything overly hot or cold, you might have damaged nerves or blood vessels from bacteria penetrating your enamel.
- Swollen gums. Inflamed connective tissues, or a bump near a sore tooth, point to an underlying cyst or infection.
- Deep decay. If you see a dark spot or cavity on your tooth that no amount of brushing seems to clean, it’s time to seek professional help.
If you’re still unsure why your dentist recommended a root canal, the best way to find out is to ask them directly!
About the Practice
At Beverly Farms Dental, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists with 30+ years of combined experience. They work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including root canals, at one convenient location. They strive to build lasting relationships with patients so they can quickly tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs when you have a problem. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (978) 927-3515.