If you were dealing with a severe toothache, then you might be glad when it went away on its own! You are finally getting the relief from it, but at your next checkup, what if your dentist mentioned you needed a root canal? You’re no longer in pain, so is it really necessary? Keep reading to learn how this procedure may be more important than ever for your oral health.
How Come My Tooth Stopped Hurting?
A root canal is designed to get rid of an infection inside a tooth. If you need one, then that means one of your pearly whites is in trouble. Bacteria are attacking the inner pulp, which was the discomfort you were feeling before it went away. However, they might’ve done too much damage, leading to you not being able to feel your tooth anymore.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal Still?
This situation is an even bigger dental emergency than it was before! Oral health issues, such as an infected tooth, cannot heal on their own. Since you can’t feel it anymore, the bacteria can more likely spread to your other teeth and soft tissues in your mouth. This leaves you at a higher risk of developing more dental problems. Not only may you get inflamed gums and sensitivity to hot and cold items, but you risk tooth loss as well.
By getting a root canal, you stop the problem. You avoid the complications above and save as much of your natural smile as possible. While a restorative treatment is often needed afterward, you won’t need to deal with the headache of having to replace the tooth entirely.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
You may be a bit hesitant to get a root canal because of its bad reputation. The good news is that what people say is often rumors. Your dentist will thoroughly numb your mouth with a powerful local anesthetic and offer conscious sedation (if you are especially anxious).
Your provider will then use special tools to remove the affected pulp. This part of the procedure is often compared to a filling, so you should feel little discomfort. After it’s cleaned and disinfected, you’ll need a crown to help fully restore your smile and bite.
While you are recovering from your root canal, you’ll likely feel sore. Thankfully, it will be easily managed, unlike the toothache that was haunting you before. In the end, you can smile confidently knowing that your grin is safe from the bacteria that were causing you trouble!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Care, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We understand how an infected tooth can cause severe discomfort, so we have same-day appointments to get you the relief you need. That is especially true when that pain goes away suddenly, so you can protect your smile. With a board-certified endodontist on staff, you can trust that you get the expert care you deserve. If you had a toothache that disappeared, schedule an appointment or call our office at (714) 424-9099.