How can I need a root canal if I’ve never had any pain in my tooth? My dentist said that my tooth is infected and needs a root canal and a crown. I’ve never felt any pain in the area at all. That tooth is a little darker than the others, but that is it.

Mason L- West Virginia,

Mason,

It is possible you had hit that tooth many years ago, damaging the nerves.  You ended up having an infection and never felt it. Because the tooth is going dark, I suspect it has been infected for a while.

Once you get the root canal, you’ll more than likely find that you feel better overall.

You may also be interested in my preventative care page.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.