Does toothache always mean root canal?

Tooth pain is often a sign of serious issues with your teeth; however, a toothache does not always mean you need a root canal.

Can you have tooth pain without needing a root canal?

In many cases, a toothache is caused by a cavity that can be treated without the need for a root canal. However, we find that intense pain can often be due to an infection severe enough to warrant a root canal.

How do I know if I need a root canal or filling?

Root canal therapy may be needed if you have a decayed tooth that has reached the pulp and caused an infection. This option is chosen for severe cases when dental fillings are no longer a viable option. Persistent or severe tooth pain may be a sign you need a root canal.

What does tooth pain feel like when you need a root canal?

In short, when you need a root canal, it may feel like throbbing pain due to infection inside of the root of your tooth. A visible fistula, swelling, or temperature sensitivity might be present. Bacteria can also lead to foul-tasting drainage along the gum tissue near your root.

Does gum pain mean I need a root canal?

Although tooth and gum pain does not necessarily mean you require a root canal, most infected teeth do cause some form of discomfort. Your pain may get more intense when applying pressure to the area, chewing, or brushing your teeth.

Why do Root Canals Hurt SO MUCH??? Live Root Canal Procedure!

What tooth pain comes and goes?

Gum disease: Gum disease, which people also refer to as periodontal disease, can also cause a throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. Gum disease is a common problem and can also cause severe throbbing pains in the jawline.

How long can you have a cavity before it needs a root canal?

Figuring out when a cavity needs treatment. It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.

Can't tell which tooth is causing pain?

If you're feeling a severe and continuing pain from one particular area of your teeth (even if you can't tell exactly which one), this could mean the pulp, the tooth's innermost layer, has become infected with decay. The pain is emanating from nerves within the pulp coming under attack from the decay.

What are the signs of a root canal?

Can a tooth that needs a root canal heal itself?

The short answer is no, a tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself. The long answer is fairly straightforward. The infected tissue inside a tooth cannot heal by itself and will only get worse over time if left untreated. Even if you experience no pain, you should still seek treatment.

Can dentist do filling instead of root canal?

If the infection has seeped into the tooth's pulp, then root canal therapy becomes unavoidable. On the contrary, fillings can be used instead of a root canal if the tooth has a smaller cavity or a minor decay, which has not yet reached the pulp.

What happens if you get a filling instead of a root canal?

While the goal of a root canal is to prevent further damage to the tissue, a filling is primarily meant to restore the function and appearance of the tooth. Our dentists at Austell will work directly with you to identify the root cause of the decay to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Is there an alternative to root canal?

An alternative to a root canal is a tooth extraction, in which your dentist can replace a damaged tooth with a bridge, partial denture, or implant. This can be an expensive treatment and usually requires several visits to your doctor. If you're a candidate for a root canal, you'll likely experience less pain over time.

How can I prevent a root canal naturally?

How do you stop tooth pain before a root canal?

Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and press it gently on the symptomatic tooth. Alternate hot and cold compresses on the area of tenderness. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)

Can a root canal take months to heal?

Endodontists (RCT specialists) say some RCT teeth can take 6-12 months to heal, and may always feel “different”. This is normal, but if you have swelling, pain, or questions in general please call the office.

How do I know if my toothache is serious?

What does a dull toothache mean?

A dull ache can mean something fairly simple, like having a piece of food stuck in your tooth, or it can mean you have tooth decay present. If the dull ache is located in the back of your mouth, it may be due to your wisdom teeth coming in, or your pain may be a symptom of nighttime bruxism.

Why does my tooth hurt but no cavity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there's no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there's a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.

Can a cavity go away with brushing?

Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.

Does tooth pain always mean infection?

Even if your pain goes away, this does not mean the infection did. A tooth infection can kill the nerves that cause tooth pain, only spreading the infection further if left untreated.

Why does my tooth hurt intermittently?

Sharp, Intermittent Tooth Sensitivity or Pain:Sensitivity to cold may denote gum recession, enamel loss from over-brushing or aging, wear and tear or a small dental cavity. Sensitivity to heat may also signify a small cavity, but it could be the result of an abscess, crack or severe decay.

Does a throbbing tooth mean infection?

Throbbing tooth pain is a sign that you might have tooth damage. Tooth decay or a cavity can give you a toothache. Throbbing tooth pain can also happen if there is an infection in the tooth or in the gums surrounding it. Toothaches are typically caused by an infection or inflammation in the tooth.

Can I avoid a root canal?

Root canals are performed when bacteria, introduced through a cavity or crack, compromise the nerves located inside the tooth. The bacteria cause an infection, which eventually kills the nerves. But root canals can be avoided, Teitelbaum says, in cases where the nerves are not yet infected.

Does a big cavity mean root canal?

Root canals may be needed for more severe, untreated cavities—which is why we tell patients to come in for regular check-ups! With a root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the pulp of your tooth to rid you of the infection. Then, they'll follow up by placing a dental crown.