If you have experienced toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold, you may have wondered: Do I need a root canal treatment?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Tooth sensitivity or pain does not automatically mean that you need a root canal. Equally, a tooth that requires root canal treatment may sometimes cause very little pain.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation affecting the dental pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth. It can help remove infection, relieve symptoms and, where possible, preserve the natural tooth.

The important first step is determining whether the nerve inside the tooth is actually affected.

Does tooth sensitivity mean I need a root canal?

Not necessarily.

Sensitivity to cold, hot food or drinks can have several possible causes, including enamel wear, gum recession, tooth decay or a sensitive tooth. Toothache can also have different causes.

However, persistent pain, sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking, pain when biting, swelling or discomfort that develops without an obvious trigger may indicate that further assessment is needed.

Interestingly, a tooth requiring root canal treatment does not always cause severe pain. In some cases, the nerve may have become damaged or died without obvious symptoms.

How is it decided whether you need root canal treatment?

An accurate diagnosis is essential. An endodontist, a dentist who specialises in diagnosing and treating problems involving the dental pulp and root of the tooth, may carry out a number of assessments.

These can include:

• Clinical examination
• Tests to assess the response of the tooth’s nerve
• Dental X-rays
• CBCT scans where additional three-dimensional information is required

The results help the specialist understand what is happening and whether root canal treatment is appropriate.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern techniques and local anaesthetic mean that root canal treatment can often be carried out comfortably. The experience and complexity can vary depending on the tooth and the underlying condition.

Some treatments can also be completed relatively quickly, while more complex cases may require additional appointments.

At Dental Rooms in Wimbledon, our endodontic specialists take the time to assess each case carefully, explain the findings and create a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient.

When should you see a dentist?

If you have ongoing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling or unexplained discomfort, it is worth arranging an assessment rather than assuming you need — or do not need — a root canal.

The key message: symptoms alone cannot confirm whether root canal treatment is necessary. A thorough assessment of the tooth and its nerve is the best way to find out.

If you are concerned about a tooth and would like an assessment, contact Dental Rooms, Wimbledon Village, to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.