Pain is your body’s way of notifying you there’s a problem. Whether it’s a stinging sensation when you get too close to a flame, an itchy reaction when you get a mosquito bite, or a throbbing ache when your tooth is infected, this discomfort is usually your signal to get help. But what happens when your dentist says you need a root canal and your tooth feels perfectly fine? Here’s a closer look at what this means, and why even if your smile feels a-okay, you could still need this urgent treatment!
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals are procedures used to save infected teeth. If left untreated, damaged pulp can cause the tooth to die, allowing the infection to spread to nearby teeth and throughout the body. During a root canal, your dentist will numb your mouth, remove the infected pulp, sanitize the tooth and then refill the insides with synthetic material. Then it will be sealed closed with either a filling or a dental crown, stopping the infection and preserving the tooth.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
An infected tooth can be extremely painful, however in some cases you may not feel any sensation at all. Unfortunately, this can be very misleading, as just because it doesn’t hurt, doesn’t mean the tooth is healthy. In fact, it can sometimes mean it has already died or that the infection has made its way to other teeth or throughout the body!
Will My Root Canal Hurt?
Whether you are experiencing pain or not, it is still important to try and save your tooth with a root canal. The good news is that this procedure shouldn’t cause much discomfort. In fact, your dentist will numb your mouth prior to beginning, so you really shouldn’t feel a thing. Then, after your numbing wears off you will likely experience some minor discomfort for a few days, but it should clear up shortly as your mouth heals. In the meantime, most patients find any related discomfort easily manageable with OTC pain relievers. Best of all, not only will you restore the appearance and function of your tooth, but you will also protect your entire body from dangerous infection.
Remember, while your tooth may not be experiencing any discomfort, if your dentist has recommended a root canal, it is important to take care of it promptly. Waiting too long could cause you to need an extraction and may even allow the infection to spread to nearby teeth and throughout the body. So, don’t let a lack of sensation lull you into a false sense of security. If he’s recommended a root canal, be sure to heed your dentist’s advice and safeguard your smile with a root canal today!
About Our Practice
At Northbrook Dental Group, father and son team, Dr. James Woodruff and Dr. Justin Woodruff, want you to have a healthy, pain-free smile. If you have an infected tooth, it is important to take care of it ASAP, even if it doesn’t hurt. To schedule a consultation for a root canal, visit our website or call us today at 847-272-0049.