Does a tooth cavity always need root canal treatment?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do you have pain in your tooth?

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It is good that you do not have pain. I suggest getting the caries removed and specifically do not get the procedure done under local anesthesia (you will be able to tell the dentist about the pain, if you experience it or not, while getting the caries removed).

If you experience pain, then get the root canal done. If even after the preparation of the cavity, you do not have pain, then get the filling of your choice done.

The most likely scenario for you looks like the dentist will excavate the caries and put a base under the filling. This will soothe down your inflamed pulp. Then he/she will fill your cavity. Only get a root canal done if you want to get the crown (cap) for your tooth.

So, looking at the pandemic condition, you can, at present, just get the caries removed and have a filling done. But, later, when you want to have a crown on your tooth, you should get a root canal done.

You can start chewing Xylitol gums if you have problems with cavities. As a dentist, we use terminology as caries for the cavity, i.e., defined as permanently damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes. Causes include bacteria, snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor teeth cleaning. So maintain proper hygiene.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

See, in a normal scenario, I would have suggested getting the treatment done at the earliest possible and convenient time. I will not recommend that you wait until pain develops, so as and when the situation with COVID settles, you should get the treatment done.

May I ask what made you go to the dentist? Is the cavity visible with the naked eye? Or is food getting stuck in your tooth?

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since the food gets stuck often, it becomes more important to get the cavity filled after the excavation of caries. RCT can be avoided (if the dentist removes caries carefully), but if the cavity is large enough or if the infected tooth is not treated for a long time, then RCT becomes unavoidable. Also, RCT done in a non-infected tooth has better results.

So my suggestion would be to get the caries removed. Get a temporary filling done with a calcium hydroxide base. If during the time of temporary filling, you do not experience any pain, then go for a permanent filling. If you have pain, then proceed with RCT.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.