Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

When you know, you know, as they say, and when it comes to needing a root canal due to a painful tooth infection that’s often true. But what happens when your dentist tells you that you need this treatment, despite your smile looking and feeling completely fine? Here’s why a pain free tooth may still require a root canal, even if everything seems normal in your mouth.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that is performed when the inside of the tooth becomes infected, either due to decay or damage such as a crack or chip.  When oral bacteria infiltrate the tooth, it attacks the pulp, causing pain and inflammation that is often responsible for a great deal of pain. Unfortunately, because antibiotics cannot reach the pulp, the only way to clear the infection and save the tooth is to perform a root canal.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

To perform a root canal, your dentist will first numb your tooth and the surrounding area. Then, once you’re comfortable, they will drill the tooth open and clear away the infected pulp from the canals within. Once they have removed it all, they will clean and sterilize the inside and refill it with a synthetic material that supports the structure and prevents future infection. Then, they will seal the tooth back up with a filling. If you need a crown, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth, and a temporary one will be placed until the official restoration is delivered from the dental lab, typically in about two weeks.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

In some cases, you may have had a toothache that has since gone away. In other cases, you may have never felt one in the first place. Either way, if your tooth shows signs of infection, getting a root canal is essential. That’s because infections don’t always hurt, and if they do stop hurting, it could mean the tooth has died and the infection is now spreading to other teeth and throughout the body. When this happens, time is of the essence and stopping it from advancing while salvaging your smile should be your top priority.

What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal?

Unfortunately, in most cases when a root canal is not performed promptly, the patient will likely need a tooth extraction. While this may seem more affordable up front, this treatment comes with its own set of issues that must be addressed, such as replacing the lost tooth.  Worse yet, the longer you wait, the more teeth that may be affected, and the more potential need for multiple root canals or extractions.

Remember, while it may seem like good news that your toothache has gone away, the truth is that just because your smile stops hurting doesn’t mean the infection has cleared. The good news is that a root canal can help save your infected tooth and protect your mouth and body from further damage. To schedule a root canal, speak to your dentist today and get the healthy, pain-free smile you deserve!

About Dr. Reintjes

Dr. Byron L. Reintjes earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University and his dental doctorate at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and has received specialized training in orthodontics and Invisalign. He can’t wait to help you have a healthy, pain-free smile, and is proud to perform tooth-saving root canal treatments right here in Fresno. If you need a root canal, please visit our website, or call us today at 559-438-6684.