Sometimes I get confused because I’m not sure whether the pain or sensitivity in my tooth means I only need a simple filling, or if the damage is serious enough to require a root canal. The symptoms can feel similar, so it’s hard to tell on my own — and I don’t want the problem to get worse. How can I really know which treatment I need?
Most patients need a filling when the decay is small and causes only mild, occasional sensitivity, but a root canal may be necessary if the decay has reached the nerve and is causing lingering pain, swelling, or discomfort when biting. Since some infected teeth show few or no symptoms, the most reliable way to know the difference is through a professional exam and X-ray. At Ashford Dental Centre, our dentists carefully assess the tooth to determine whether a simple filling is enough or if a root canal is needed to save the tooth and prevent further infection.