Are there tests to determine if you need a root canal? If not, how do they know if you need one?

Question

Before Christmas, I had an amalgam removed due to deterioration. There was decay underneath and it was drilled away and filled with compositve. Thereafter, I had slight pain only when eating crunchy foods. It did seem to get better or perhaps, I just got used to it. Now, they have removed it, put in a temporary filling, and are going to fill it again next week if I don't have any pain. If I do have pain, they are considering a root canal. Since the pain is minimal, are there other tests to determine if a root canal is necessary? Or, is pain the only factor? I hate to go that route if it's not necessary. But, if it is, I would like to have it taken care of now while I have dental insurance as well as a temporary filling. Can any dentists advise me about what the determining factors for a root canal are? And, do you recommend another composite or amalgam for my lower molar? Thanks so much for any advise! =)

Answer 1

The tooth should be checked with dry ice or an electronic pulp tester. A painful response to either one would indicate the need for you to have a root canal. After the root canal, the tooth should be refilled with "either filling material" and then crowned to prevent fracture.

Answer 2

Yes there are test to determine a root canal. A dentist can do a test with heat, which is when they take something called gutta percha and heat it up. They then put it on your tooth. If you have an ache or pain you need a root canal. A cold test can be done, but it doesn't mean you need a root canal. If your tooth is sensitive to cold it just needs a bite adjustment or you have a cavity. You only need a rootcanal for heat sensitivity or if decay is so deep it goes into the nerve.

P.S. composite filling not Amalgem. Amalgem will break down a lot quicker. (i am a dental assistant)

Answer 3

Trust the dentist you are seeing. It is determined by a hot/cold test, a xray and of course the dentist's judgment.

Go for Amalgam - It will last for atleast another 10 - 20 yrs and they are much stronger. Composites are not good for lower molars - it will crack within 5 yrs.