I have a tooth with a small hole in the back of it. It's not causing me any pain at all, but it's annoying becuase food is getting stuck..
The dentist is telling me that I need a root canal. How does the dentist decide if I need a root canal, instead of just a filling?
2007-02-02 08:59:15 · 6 answers · asked by techzone12 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Yes, the doctor did an xray.
2007-02-02 09:11:31 · update #1
he can tell u that only after he takes an xray and notices whether or not the infection is deeps seated
if he's saying this without an xray ask him why or get a second opinion .... also caries tooth don't give pain all the time ... sometimes it can be just sensitive .. sometimes like yours no symptom at all
cheerio
2007-02-02 09:07:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the hole is too deep, then a filling won't work. A root canal is then a better solution. Either that or having the tooth pulled.
But, you'll probably want to do something soon, because it's only a matter of time before the pain starts, and it can get really bad.
2007-02-02 17:08:50 · answer #2 · answered by bosse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A root canal is done when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Reasons could be deep decay,repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth. You could also need a root canal if you have had a blow to the tooth even if there is no visible signs of a chip or crack.
2007-02-02 22:30:19 · answer #3 · answered by sissy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well the doctor will poke down there to see how far and deep the cavity has gone. If its gone too deep then he will decide that you need a root canal. Usually you should have pain if you need one but theres been times when you dont feel pain. I had a few really deep cavities and sometimes when I chewed gum i would feel a weird sensation up my root, but i didnt need a root canal. usually the dentist would explain to you what has happened to that cavity and tell you why you need a root canal.
2007-02-02 17:15:18 · answer #4 · answered by Grace 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the decay is into the nerve then eventually it will cause you problems. The dentist has to take the decay out and the nerves will get involved so it is best to take the nerves out (root canal).
If it isn't real deep then you could just get a filling.
2007-02-02 17:10:05 · answer #5 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once the decay reaches the nerve (or really close to it), you have to have a root canal. I'd think you'd be in pain if it was that far gone.
2007-02-02 17:07:50 · answer #6 · answered by SB1976 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋