At your dental checkup, you may have thought things were going swimmingly until your dentist mentioned you needed a root canal. You haven’t been feeling much, if any, pain, so you may be wondering why you need it. This treatment helps remove an infection inside your tooth, but it’s possible that it doesn’t cause any discomfort. Keep reading to learn why a root canal can still be beneficial for you.
Do I Need a Root Canal Despite Being in No Pain?
Learning that you have an infection inside your tooth may not be the most exciting thing to hear, but it can happen due to a variety of reasons. Chips, cracks, and decay are some common culprits that can introduce bacteria to the inner dental pulp. In some cases, you won’t feel any discomfort, but that doesn’t mean everything is all fine and dandy!
There are two situations where you may not be in any pain despite having an infected tooth. Your dentist was either able to find the problem very early before it spells bad news, or if you have a toothache that suddenly vanished, the nerve of your tooth died. Either may be a serious issue, as the longer you prolong treatment, the more chances you give the bacteria to infect your nearby teeth and gums.
What Other Signs Point to Me Needing a Root Canal?
While persistent discomfort is one symptom of an infected tooth, there are a couple of other signs that you should look out for. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold items. It’s often a sharp, sudden, and lingering sensation well after you stop eating or drinking the food.
If decay is the culprit, then you may be able to see a dark-colored spot on your tooth. Many people often have swollen gums as well. They may be tender and inflamed, but if you notice a raised bump on them, then it’s crucial to call your dentist right away.
Although you may not be in consistent discomfort with an infected tooth, it’s important to get it treated right away. While you may be confused about why you need a root canal, take the time to talk to your dentist and understand why this treatment is best for you. In the end, you’ll be able to avoid serious complications, such as tooth loss, and not need costly replacement treatments to give you your bite back.
About the Author
Dr. Wendy Winarick earned her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry. She believes in continuing her education and continues to learn as much as she can to help give her patients more comfortable, effective treatments. While an infected tooth may not always hurt, she uses state-of-the-art technology to find the problem and fix it with a root canal. If you notice any other signs of a tooth infection, schedule an appointment or call her office at (254) 772-1827.