Toothaches are never a great experience. They can be short-lived, while other times, they can last for weeks! Maybe you even had a toothache that lasted for a long time, but one day, the pain suddenly stopped. Before you start celebrating, this isn’t necessarily a good sign.
The next time you visit your dentist, they may recommend a root canal on that tooth. You may push back a little and ask, “Why do I need that procedure if I don’t have any tooth pain?” Before you try to postpone the treatment, here’s why a root canal may be your best option, even if you are experiencing no discomfort.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
Bacteria can sometimes attack the inner pulp of the tooth through cavities or damage. Once infected, you may experience a persistent toothache, swollen gums, and sensitivity to hot or cold things. Dealing with these symptoms every day can make it harder to eat or drink anything comfortably.
Unlike other infections, dental infections cannot go away on their own. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of your mouth and sometimes to your body. The only way to eliminate the infection is through a root canal. With this common and reliable procedure, your dentist can stop the bacteria from spreading and causing more harm.
Why Don’t I Feel Any More Pain?
After enough time left to its own devices, the bacteria causing your dental infection can actually destroy the nerves in your tooth. You won’t feel any more pain, but the infection is still there. At this point, it becomes a more serious emergency because the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the tooth will be lost.
Root canal therapy will clear out the infection, saving the tooth and relieving any other symptoms that you may be experiencing. This treatment offers a simple and comfortable solution that alleviates a toothache so you can have pain-free relief while ensuring your oral health doesn’t falter.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Despite what you may have heard about the pain associated with root canals, modern dental tools and anesthesia make the procedure feel similar to a dental filling! Once your mouth has been numbed with a powerful local anesthetic, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of your tooth. After that, they fill it and put a dental crown on top!
If you have been dealing with a toothache for weeks and the pain went away on its own, it might feel relieving, but it only becomes a more serious problem. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist right away when a toothache starts and then suddenly disappears.
About the Practice
Dr. Bikram Singh earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He has decades of experience, which enables us to offer a wide range of services, including root canal therapy. We locate and remove the infection, all while ensuring your comfort during the process. If you have a toothache or had one that suddenly went away, schedule an appointment or call our office at (919) 460-5454.