Although brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove harmful plaque and bacteria that contribute to many common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease, there’s unfortunately no guarantee that you won’t ever experience dental problems.
For example, you might develop a throbbing and persistent or sudden and severe toothache, which is usually treated with a root canal and dental crown. However, if your discomfort subsides, you might feel tempted to cancel your procedure. Continue reading to learn why you should proceed with your initial treatment plan even without a toothache!
Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Proper preventive care, including consistent at-home dental hygiene and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, helps remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to various dental concerns. But it’s still possible for germs in your mouth to penetrate your enamel or connective tissues and trigger an infection that causes pressure to form against the tender nerves inside your tooth.
This can cause prolonged or intense throbbing that requires professional attention to alleviate. You might assume that your toothache will resolve itself, but oral issues usually only worsen if left unaddressed rather than improve.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is the tried-and-true solution for handling the underlying infection causing your toothache. If you’re concerned your procedure will inevitably be long and agonizing, you can thankfully set your fears aside. Your dentist will likely begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth, and many providers also offer sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment.
Then, they’ll make a small opening in your enamel to remove damaged material, disinfect your tooth, fill it, and seal it to prevent further infection or injury. In most cases, they’ll recommend placing a dental crown to restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to continue using it normally.
Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Stops Hurting?
If your toothache subsides before you visit the dentist for a root canal, you might assume your condition has improved and that your treatment is no longer necessary. Unfortunately, it’s more likely that the infection killed the nerves in your teeth, so they can no longer sense pain. But the disease likely hasn’t resolved, and can spread to neighboring teeth, your gums, or your jawbone if left untreated. That means you still need a root canal to help safeguard your smile.
If you’re unsure why you have a toothache or how your dentist can help treat it, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment!
About the Practice
Patients at the Family Dental Center of East Texas benefit from two providers eager to help them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez collaborate to offer a variety of services, including root canals and dental crowns, to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. They also offer multiple types of sedation to help you get through your procedure successfully. You can request an appointment on the website or call (936) 427-9070.