Filling vs root canal
Short answer
A filling treats a shallow cavity. A root canal is needed when the cavity or damage has reached the nerve.
Simple explanation
The dentist decides based on X-rays and how the tooth reacts to cold and biting. Deep pain that lingers or wakes you at night often means the nerve is involved.
When this usually matters
Catching decay early can save you a root canal.
When to seek dental help
New spontaneous pain in a filled tooth may mean a root canal is now needed.
Questions to ask your dentist
- •How deep is the decay?
- •Can we still try a filling?
- •What if the filling does not solve the pain?
This is simple educational information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a dental examination. Your dentist may recommend something different depending on your mouth, X-rays, pain, infection, gums, bone, medical history, and clinical judgment.