Being told you may need a root canal can bring up a lot of questions.
Is it really necessary? What happens if you wait? Could the tooth get better on its own?
The answer depends on what is happening inside the tooth, but when the pulp has become infected or irreversibly damaged, the underlying problem generally does not resolve on its own.
Why Would a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
Inside each tooth is a space containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue called the dental pulp.
Deep decay, cracks, trauma, or other damage can allow bacteria to reach this area.
When the pulp becomes severely inflamed or infected, a root canal may be recommended to remove the damaged tissue and clean the inside of the tooth. This can prevent further damage to your tooth and allow you to avoid having to remove it.
What Happens If You Wait?
A tooth that needs a root canal can hurt constantly, but it does not always hurt constantly. What this means is that a tooth may need a root canal before you feel any pain from the tooth.
Pain from a tooth that needs a root canal can even decrease or disappear, even though the underlying problem remains.
If the infection progresses, it can spread beyond the tooth and contribute to an abscess or swelling.
In some cases, the tooth may eventually become too damaged to save, and at that point it will need to be extracted.
Can Antibiotics Cure an Infected Tooth?
Antibiotics may sometimes be used when a dental infection has caused certain signs of systemic involvement or significant swelling.
However, antibiotics do not remove the source of an infection inside a tooth, so it is imperative that the tooth is taken care of with the appropriate treatment.
If the pulp is infected, the source usually needs to be addressed with dental treatment.
What Are Signs That a Tooth May Be Infected?
Possible warning signs include:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling around the tooth
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Fever
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.
What If the Tooth Stops Hurting?
If you were told you need a root canal on a tooth and it stops hurting, do not assume the tooth has healed.
If the nerve inside the tooth stops functioning, the pain can decrease even though the infection remains. This is why a tooth that suddenly stops hurting after a period of significant pain should still be evaluated and treated.
Does Every Toothache Mean You Need a Root Canal?
No! Tooth pain can have many causes, and a root canal is only appropriate when the condition of the tooth warrants it.
A dental exam, along with appropriate imaging and testing, can help determine what is actually causing the pain, and what treatment is appropriate to fix your tooth.
The Bottom Line
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, it is worth understanding why before deciding to delay treatment.
A damaged or infected tooth may not continue hurting forever, but the absence of pain does not necessarily mean the problem is gone.
Treating the problem while the tooth can still be saved may give you more options than waiting until the condition becomes more advanced. If you are looking for a second opinion, or you have a toothache and are looking for an emergency dental appointment, give us a call to make an appointment.