Root canal or not?

I've had a cavity for about 2 years. When I finally went to the dentist, they took the decay out and filled it up. They said that I need a root canal. They said if I have ANY pain whatsoever to immediatly make an appointment so that they can do the root canal. But the thing is, i haven't had ANY pain at all. and it's been about 6 months. I also have to get braces soon but I don't know if I can get braces before the root canal and I don't even know if I need a root canal!! I've been looking at what people said and they say that if the nerve is alive at all, it will hurt like hell. I think my nerve is still alive so i don't see the need for a root canal and I want to get my braces soon. What should i do?

Root canal or not?
Well I had the same problem. I didn't feel any pain in my tooth what so ever. I just had a huge hole in my molar. When they checked it out, they said that I'd be getting a root canal. The reason why you haven't had any pain is 1) The tooth has pretty much died. That's how mine went. 2) There's two ways a tooth dies, painfully or not. Luckily, you didn't have pain. It's been 6 months, so yeah it's not gonna hurt anymore, but it probably was sore about 6 months ago for a little while right? If you're worried about the pain of a root canal, then don't be. Having a root canal involves no pain at all except for the shot they give you at the beginning, which you would have to get anyways if you were getting it filled. I don't know where the lies came from that a root canal hurt, but it doesn't if they get it numbed first. The worst thing about it is probably having to have your mouth open for 2 hrs. For me, it was a pleasant experience. All this depends on your teeth specialist though. About the braces, you probably won't be able to get them if you're under 18 because you won't have a crown. Teeth become very brittle after a root canal. Without protection, they chip very easily. I'm not sure on this though.
Reply:The specialist who actually does the root canal performs a test, in which they first numb your affected tooth, then put an extremely cold swab on it, and if you feel the pain, then your root is fine, if you don't, then sorry, but you need one. SO go to the specialist, ask him to perform the test, to see if you even actually need one!





Best of Luck
Reply:Firstly...if they numb your tooth first, you would not feel any pain (my reaction to the previous answer).





This question is not possible to be answered without your Xrays.


You may not have any pain from a dead tooth for months. The tooth itself is dead but it takes time to build up a lesion of dead tissue under the tooth (which will hurt -the pressure is transfered through the bone nerves). These changes can be seen on an x ray as a dark area under the tip of root.





Your orthodontist will not put braces on without being happy with the general condition of your mouth.


So - step one: check with your dentist again with a new x ray


step two: if he/she is happy - have your teeth straightened and enjoy your beautiful smile