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Molly Maloof, MD

Director of Clinical Content
@DoctorBase

Tooth Decay and Ache

Do i need a root canal?
Poster
  • Male | 32 years old
  • Complaint duration: 9 days
  • Medications: brufen
  • Conditions: None

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Featured Answer

3 UpVoted this answer David J. Darab, DDS, MS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Hickory Brian L. Kirkwood, DDS, DDS Dentist, Greenfield
The nerve of a tooth breaks down from classically trauma or infection from a deep decayor a baterial systemic infection. A cascade of symptoms may arise from these situations..First, lingering cold, then hot sensitivity, then ache and throbbing . Upper back teeth, if infected, are more dangerous potentially. If the tissue around the broken tooth is very tender to touch near the tooth, the problem could just be a gum related issue due to lack of contour of the tooth with packing of food. Bottom line..a root canal saves he tooth if a dying nerval senario is present. An extraction relieves the scenario also but a replacement is recommended. A graft and implant would be an option or a fixed bridge ....
Richard Lubitz
1 UpVoted this answer
I would recommend going to a a local dentist who can take an x-ray of the tooth and run some tests on the tooth such as cold sensitivity and biting test. Depending on the results of the tests, you may need a root canal.
1 UpVoted this answer
You may need a root canal. You definitely need to see a dentist!
If the ache is constant, most likely you need a root canal to save the tooth if it can be saved. It the tooth has too much decay and is too broken down you may be better off extracting it and replacing it with an implant.
Lawrence D. Singer
A tooth can ache for a variety of reasons. You need some x-rays and an exam to see exactly what is going on. It could just be a deep cavity and the nerve will calm down after treatment or you might very well need a root canal. I recommend you see a dentist as soon as possible for an exam because you may need antibiotics. Good Luck.
I recommend going to see your dentist as soon as possible for an exam and X-rays. Decay close to the nerve of the tooth can cause it to abscess. If that is the case, you will need a root canal.
See your Dentist soon. An ache normally means root canal or extract. An x-ray will help you two determine the fate of the tooth.

Best of luck, Brian
Brian L. Kirkwood, DDS
Maybe
If you are asking this, you probably do need one. If it is too late, you probably need an extraction instead. Go see your dentist!
Unfortunately we do not have enough information to properly answer you question. Generally speaking a Root Canal is recommended when the nerve of the tooth is effected (the cavity has reached the nerve). Also if your are having sensitivity to cold foods/drinks and the pain lingers after the cold food/drink is gone, then yes you will need a Root Canal. If it is sensitive when you bite down or chew then you may need a root canal but you also may just need a filling or crown. Good luck