Even if Your Toothache Goes Away, Do You Still Need a Root Canal?

Toothaches are one of the most common signs of a tooth infection, which requires root canal treatment to cure. Unfortunately, this pain can often be so severe and bothersome that it requires people to call out of work, put their days and plans on hold, and wait until they can receive care from a dentist. In some cases, it’s possible for that pain to also disappear, leaving patients to wonder whether they need a root canal after all. Read on to learn why toothaches can go away and whether a root canal is still needed if you aren’t in pain.

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection is a more common dental problem among adults that’s caused by a bacterial infection that develops within a tooth or the surrounding tissues, like the bone and gums. Typically, before a tooth becomes infected, an issue like a cracked tooth or untreated cavity creates a passageway for bacteria to enter the vulnerable inner chamber of the tooth where the nerves are located.

Once inside the inner chamber, the bacteria can infect the pulp, which is the collection of soft tissue and nerves within the tooth. When this occurs, a toothache will typically develop, which is one of the most common signs that root canal treatment in Dallas is needed.

Is a Root Canal Still Necessary if You No Longer Have a Toothache?

If you have just found out that you need a root canal and scheduled your appointment, but all of the sudden your toothache has disappeared, don’t cancel your treatment yet! Just because your pain is no longer present doesn’t mean that the problem has disappeared, too. In fact, toothaches can disappear for a number of reasons, most of which signify that the issue has become worse.

When an infection has had time to spread, it can lead to the death of the pulp, including the nerves within the tooth. This is one of the most common reasons why toothaches suddenly disappear. While the erasure of the pain may bring you much-needed relief, it could mean that the issue is spreading. In some cases when this happens, depending on the extent of your infection, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction instead of a root canal if your tooth is no longer salvageable. However, in many cases, root canal treatment could still be required.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many people are happy to feel that their pain has gone because they’re scared to get a root canal. Although these treatments are incredibly beneficial, and in many cases allow dentists to preserve patients’ natural teeth, they have an incredibly bad reputation of being painful. However, that’s not true at all! In fact, the pain associated with why a patient needs the procedure (i.e. a painful toothache) is often attached to the procedure that cures said pain. In fact, in most cases, patients who receive root canal treatment are often surprised at how much better they feel afterward!

Although you may feel tempted to call off your root canal treatment because you’re no longer in pain, that’s not the best decision for your oral health. In fact, in many cases, carrying forward with treatment, whether that’s a tooth extraction or root canal procedure, can help prevent you from experiencing more discomfort down the road.

About the Author

Dr. Arrechea is our experienced dentist at Daily Smiles Dental. For over 20 years, she has been providing patients in Dallas with timely pain relief and fast and responsive emergency dentistry. She understands that dental pain can be incredibly difficult to live with, which is why she’s happy to provide same-day emergency appointments as well as a $50 emergency exam and X-ray special. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles Dental’s website or call 214-233-9460.