Do You Still Need a Root Canal if Your Tooth Pain Stops?

A severe toothache can arise from various causes, and one of them is a tooth infection. This happens when bacteria penetrate the tooth and reach its pulp, often stemming from an untreated cavity. To eliminate the infection and salvage the tooth, root canal therapy becomes necessary. While pain is a typical symptom of a tooth infection, there are instances where it may seemingly vanish unexpectedly. Continue reading as we explore what this means and why root canal therapy remains essential despite the temporary relief from pain.

What Makes a Toothache Go Away?

Mild tooth pain is often attributed to minor issues like a small cavity, while more intense pain may indicate a tooth infection. However, if the pain suddenly disappears, it does not signify that the infection has resolved. On the contrary, it can be an indication that the situation is worsening.

When a severe toothache subsides suddenly, it is often a result of the infection having destroyed the nerves inside the tooth. Nevertheless, it is crucial to proceed with root canal therapy even if the pain diminishes.

Avoiding treatment can allow the infection to spread and damage the bone around the tooth. Furthermore, the infection might enter the bloodstream, potentially causing a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Prompt treatment remains essential to prevent these serious consequences.

How Root Canal Therapy Can Help

Root canals are intended to rescue severely infected teeth. To ensure a painless experience, your dentist will administer local anesthesia before commencing the procedure. If you require further assistance in maintaining comfort during the treatment, dental sedation options can be discussed with your dentist.

After numbing the area, your dentist will proceed to eliminate the infected pulp, followed by a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the tooth. The next step involves filling the tooth with a biocompatible material, sealing it off with a filling or crown. This treatment not only relieves your toothache by removing the affected nerves but also prevents the infection from spreading and causing complications in other areas of your mouth or body.

In conclusion, root canal therapy is an effective and safe procedure that can save severely infected teeth, alleviate toothaches, and prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing any dental issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist to receive the care you need!

About the Practice

Residents of the Rocky Hill area can rely on the expertise of Dr. Matthew Scoles, Dr. Marc Scoles, and Dr. Julia Karpman for their dental needs. Their inviting dental office offers a wide range of exceptional treatments, including root canals. They are eager to educate patients about the importance of timely root canal therapy to prevent worsening infections and to promote long-term dental health. To schedule an appointment or learn more about root canal therapy, visit Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill’s website or call (860) 563-3766.