How To Determine A Root Canal?

Been to 2 dentists... they say all is well. Just need a filling. I want to know exactly how to determine a root canal. Both dentists took xrays, they did tap tests and cold tests. Here's my questions.





1. Does tap sensitivity mean it's definately a root canal?


2. Does slight throb after cold exposure, but they it diminishes, does that mean definate root canal?


3. How else can you determine you most definately need a root canal?





Any dental professionals that can advise? Thank you.

How To Determine A Root Canal?
Typical symptoms of a root canal are as follows:





-Sensitivity to hot or the combination of hot and cold (not just cold)





-A consistent ache, one that you might have to take some pain reliever to calm down.





-A toothache that wakes you up at night (throbbing, achy)





-The tap test, doesn't necessarily mean root canal, only if you feel a definite ache while and lingering after tapping.





-To cold exposure, if you feel a definite ache and lingering ache after the cold test





-On an x-ray, the dentist can see an abscess on the x-ray film at the root tip.





In your case, if both dentists took x-rays, and did tests that were negative to typical root canal symptoms, than you probably don't need a root canal. You might have some decay under an old filling that is giving you some sensitivity. It also can be some gum recession with root surface exposure that is typically sensitive to cold. Sometimes a tooth can be more sensitized if your bite is a little off. Have you dentist check you bite and he can do minor adjustments to help with that.





It sounds like your tooth is just sensitized for some reason. If you grind your teeth at night, that can also sensitize a tooth. If that is the case, talk to your dentist about an occlusal guard to wear at night (also called a bite splint or night guard). Many people suffer from grinding. If you don't know if you do or not, ask your spouse/significant other if they hear you at night, or if you wake up with headaches or a stiff jaw, then you are more than likely grinding. Your dentist can also check if there is any enamel wear on your teeth from grinding.





Hope these things answer some of your questions. Let me know if you have any others.
Reply:Hi Supersongbird [ lovely name ], I'm not a dental professional but I am close friends with a husband / wife dental 'team', and I have had 2 root canals ! [ they are actually not as bad as most people think. ] The symptoms you describe in 1] and 2] do not indicate the need for a root canal, only an x-ray or recurring infection i.e. abscesses would mean it was needed. Any half-decent dentist would note pulp infection or 'cracks' in x-ray, since you've had 2, my advice r-e-l-a-x ! Get the filling and keep smiling ^ - ^
Reply:RCT is done only when the pulp in exposed due to decay or fracture or wearing off of the enamel %26amp; dentine. Pain %26amp; sensitivity to cold %26amp; hot does not mean the pulp is exposed, it can mean its very near to the pulp. The dentist is the best judge if RCT or filling is nessary. If after filling it hurts, then you need a RCT.