When you have a persistent toothache, getting a root canal is natural. The treatment would relieve your pearly white’s pain! However, you may not know how to respond if your ache fades on its own. Do you even need a root canal treatment at that point? Well, the truth is that you should probably still get the therapy. Your Chesapeake dentist can even give you the reason. To that end, here’s why you may need a root canal even if a tooth stops hurting.
“No Ache” Doesn’t Mean “No Problem”
If you weren’t already aware, a root canal’s purpose is to remove infected tooth pulp. The latter often irritates dental nerves, causing significant pain. Consequently, getting rid of it will often ease a severe toothache.
Unfortunately, a toothache’s fading doesn’t mean everything is fine. There’s a good chance your tooth’s nerves were killed, leaving it unable to send pain signals to your brain. Pus could also have flowed from the infected area and reduced some pressure. Regardless, neither scenario is good – harmful bacteria are advancing in both cases and causing problems.
You May Have Other Symptoms
Should you have a tooth infection, it’s likely causing symptoms aside from a toothache. Therefore, you may find other signs that your dental pulp is infected. These could include:
- Sensitive Teeth
- Swollen Gums
- Facial Swelling
- Halitosis (i.e., Bad Breath)
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- A Persistent Fever
If you notice several of these symptoms, you ought to see a dentist quickly. These signs deserve a professional diagnosis, whether your tooth is infected or not.
Skipping Treatment Isn’t Wise
Even when it doesn’t cause a toothache, a tooth infection is a severe problem. Failing to treat the issue with a root canal will only worsen your situation.
Firstly, foregoing treatment could result in tooth loss. The untended infection will slowly erode the bone tissue supporting your tooth. From there, it could loosen your pearly white until the latter falls out.
Worse yet, delaying treatment lets the infection spread. As its bacteria then reach other body parts, you might undergo sepsis – a life-threatening condition that can lead to death.
Clearly, you may need a root canal treatment even when a tooth doesn’t hurt. So, see your dentist immediately to ensure your smile stays safe!
About the Practice
Troisi Dentistry is based in Chesapeake, VA. Led by the one-and-only Dr. Lucia Troisi, our practice wants to meet every patient’s oral needs. Therefore, we offer high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative work tailored to your unique smile. Our office also provides excellent emergency dental care, including procedures like tooth extractions and root canal therapy. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (757)-548-1611.