Imagine if, before the root canal therapy you’d scheduled with your dentist, your toothache mysteriously vanished. Should you cancel your dental treatment since the offending ache is gone?
In short, the answer is “no.” Even if a toothache disappears, you may still need root canal therapy for other reasons. For those wanting to know what those reasons could be, here is a guide to why toothaches go away and how root canals can apply regardless.
Why a Toothache Might Go Away
In mild toothaches, the pain was probably caused by a minor issue. Sometimes it’s the result of gum recession, a condition that can improve over time with the help of your dentist and a solid oral hygiene routine. On the other hand, a small pain that comes and goes is usually a tiny cavity that’s only starting to be symptomatic.
Moderate or severe toothaches, in contrast, have more concerning origins. They often indicate that your tooth’s nerve is badly inflamed or infected by a cavity or tooth trauma. If this type of toothache goes away, it’s usually because the tooth’s nerve has “died” or been destroyed by infection.
You Still Need a Root Canal for Tooth Infections
If your toothache was a moderate one caused by infection, you’d still need a root canal as a treatment. Otherwise, your condition would spread and destroy the bone surrounding your tooth, making said tooth’s extraction necessary.
Fortunately, you can avoid this outcome with root canal therapy. By removing the infected tooth’s pulp — its innermost nerves, tissue, and blood vessels — and placing a dental crown, a root canal will let you avoid more invasive and expensive future treatments.
You Still Need a Root Canal for Tooth Damage
If it’s damaged and needs repair, your tooth could still need a root canal, pain or not.
A damaged tooth, for example, may lack the structure necessary for a dentist to place a dental crown. In that case, they’ll need to put a metal post inside it to support the crown. However, inserting the post is only possible after the tooth’s interior is exposed.
You Still Need a Root Canal for Filling Decay
Root canals can sometimes be necessary to treat old, decayed fillings. Such fillings can sometimes be rehabilitated with a dental crown, but they often require removal to be dealt with appropriately. After the removal, a dental crown could be placed once root canal therapy is applied. If necessary, the treatment can also be performed through a recent crown to restore the filling.
As you can see, a tooth can be unhealthy even if it doesn’t hurt. That being the case, keep your root canal appointment to ensure your teeth are in good shape!
About the Author
Dr. Kathy Lam is a dentist practicing in Wheaton, IL, having earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Howard University’s College of Dentistry. To keep her skills updated, she regularly pursues continuing education courses through the organization Spear. Dr. Lam also ensures top-quality care in her work by focusing on comfort, precision, and personalization in her patients’ treatments. She currently practices at her self-titled clinic and can be reached at her website or by phone at (630)-653-7720.