Intense pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with a serious infection in the pulp – the innermost layer of a tooth. To address this issue, most dental professionals will recommend a root canal so the infected pulp can be removed and thus, the pain will go away. But what happens if the extreme discomfort suddenly stops before undergoing this type of procedure? Is it still necessary to treat the problem tooth? Read on to learn why your dentist is still likely to recommend a root canal to keep your smile safe.
Why are Root Canals Necessary?
There is a good chance your dentist will recommend a root canal if a dental filling or cavity is not enough to effectively treat the severe decay that exists inside a tooth. Once it reaches the pulp – an area consisting of various nerves and blood vessels – the only viable solution is to remove it with careful precision.
You might experience extreme pain because of the infection; however, this is not always the case. Some patients may never feel any discomfort, yet their affected tooth needs invasive treatment to keep the infection from spreading.
Moving forward with this type of procedure is the only way to save your natural tooth and avoid potential extraction.
Is a Root Canal Still Required if the Pain Stops?
There is a good chance that your dentist will still recommend a root canal even if you no longer experience any pain. As only one of several symptoms you might experience, it cannot be the determining factor as to whether you need this type of treatment.
Other common signs you might need a root canal include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the affected tooth
- Bone loss near the root is detected by your dentist during a regular exam
There are many reasons why a root canal will still be the preferred solution, such as:
- Tooth damage caused by wear and tear, teeth grinding, or a facial injury can negatively affect the pulp
- Tooth decay is present within the root canal but has not yet caused pain to develop
- A cyst forms within the jawbone, causing damage to the tooth root
- The tooth’s nerve is dead, so it cannot cause feelings of pain
No matter if pain is present or not, it’s important to listen to your dentist’s suggestion as to whether you should move forward with root canal treatment. Taking care of the problem will ensure that you get to keep your natural tooth for longer and avoid possible extraction down the road.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington opened his practice in 2002 and has been helping the city’s residents achieve healthier smiles ever since. He and the team at Cowlitz River Dental strive to deliver comfortable and successful services that repair and restore teeth so that they look, act, and feel like new. When an infection exists deep within a tooth’s inner layers, root canal treatment is the most common form of treatment. Whether you’re experiencing pain or one of the other many symptoms associated with a root canal, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.