Root canal procedure vs filling: What treatment do I really need?

Toothaches can range from a dull, nagging ache to a sharp jolt of pain that stops you mid-bite. No matter the severity, it often raises one important question: is this something a simple filling can fix, or do I need a more complex treatment like a root canal procedure?

Understanding the difference between a filling vs root canal is crucial when you're trying to protect your oral health and avoid future complications. While both treatments are common, they serve very different purposes. This blog will walk you through the symptoms, treatment process, and how to know which option is right for your tooth,  all in plain, friendly language.

Whether you're anxious about the dentist or just curious about your options, let’s clear up the confusion around fillings and the root canal procedure once and for all.

‍

What is a dental filling?

Dental fillings are the go-to solution for treating mild to moderate tooth decay. When plaque breaks down the enamel and forms a cavity, your dentist removes the decayed area and fills the space to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Most fillings are done in under an hour and usually involve minimal discomfort.

Fillings are ideal when decay is caught early. They’re also commonly used for minor chips, worn areas, or replacing old fillings that have cracked or fallen out. Because the damage is limited to the surface or middle layers of the tooth, there’s no need to touch the deeper nerve tissues inside.

In short, a filling is a straightforward way to treat early-stage decay and protect your tooth from further harm.

‍

What is a root canal procedure?

A root canal procedure is used when decay or infection has reached the innermost part of your tooth — the pulp. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerve and blood supply, and once bacteria reach this area, it becomes inflamed or infected. That’s when you might start experiencing deep, throbbing pain, swelling, or even a gum abscess.

During the root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals inside the root, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown to give it full function again.

While many people assume root canals are painful, modern dentistry has come a long way. With today’s techniques and anaesthetics, having a root canal feels similar to getting a filling — just a bit longer in the chair. And in most cases, the root canal stops the pain, not causes it.

‍

Filling vs root canal: How to know which one you need

The biggest factor in choosing between a filling vs root canal is the extent of the decay or damage. Both treatments aim to save your natural tooth, but they operate at very different levels.

If the decay is confined to the enamel or outer dentin layer, a filling is likely all that’s needed. But if decay has reached the pulp, or if there's an infection present, a root canal procedure becomes necessary to eliminate pain and protect the surrounding bone and tissue.

While it’s impossible to know for sure without a dental exam and X-rays, certain symptoms can help give you a general idea of what to expect.

Here are some helpful clues:

• Mild sensitivity to sweets or cold often points to a cavity needing a filling.
  
  
• Sharp or throbbing pain that lingers — especially after hot drinks — may indicate pulp involvement.
  
  
• Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums suggests possible infection and the need for a root canal.
  
  
• Discolouration of the tooth can be a sign the nerve has died and needs treatment.
  
  

Remember, these are only general guidelines. The best course of action is always to get a professional diagnosis early before the issue worsens.

‍

The process: What each treatment involves

If you’re nervous about dental procedures, knowing what to expect can go a long way in easing anxiety.

A filling typically involves numbing the area, removing the decay, and placing a tooth-coloured material (like composite resin) to fill the space. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and doesn’t usually require follow-up care beyond your regular check-ups.

A root canal procedure, on the other hand, may take one or two appointments depending on the complexity of the case. After numbing the tooth, your dentist will use specialised tools to clean the infected pulp from inside the root canals. The canals are then shaped, disinfected, and sealed. In many cases, a crown is placed over the tooth at a later visit to protect it from further damage and restore full chewing function.

While root canal treatment is more involved than a filling, it allows you to keep your natural tooth and avoid an extraction. That makes it a very valuable option when the inner tissue of the tooth is compromised.

‍

One key difference: what they treat

The biggest distinction between a filling and a root canal procedure lies in what they are designed to treat.

• A filling fixes the outer structure of the tooth and is used when the pulp is still healthy.
  
  
• A root canal treats the inside of the tooth, specifically when the pulp is infected or inflamed.
  
  

This is why early detection is so important. What starts as a small cavity (easily resolved with a filling) can escalate into a much more serious issue requiring root canal treatment if ignored.

‍

What happens if you wait too long?

Tooth problems rarely go away on their own. Delaying treatment can turn a manageable issue into something far more serious. A small cavity may become painful, lead to infection, or cause permanent nerve damage. By the time the pain is severe, a filling may no longer be an option - and a root canal procedure may be your only chance to save the tooth.

In some cases, even root canal treatment won’t be enough if the infection has spread too far. This could mean extraction and the need for a replacement tooth like an implant or bridge, which is a more complex and costly process.

By acting early, you not only minimise pain and avoid emergency care, but you also save yourself time and money in the long run.

‍

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery from a filling is almost immediate. You may feel a little numb for an hour or two, but you can usually eat and drink normally later that day. Some sensitivity is normal for a few days, but it should settle quickly.

After a root canal procedure, it’s common to feel a bit tender or sore for a few days, especially if there was an active infection. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to manage this. Once your final crown or restoration is in place, the tooth should feel and function just like any other.

In both cases, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups will help keep your restored tooth (and the rest of your smile) in great shape.

‍

Choose confidence, not confusion

It’s natural to feel unsure when you’re in dental discomfort, especially if the pain is new or changing. The good news is that both fillings and root canal procedures are designed to restore your smile, relieve pain, and get you back to feeling your best.

If you're comparing a filling vs root canal, the right answer depends on how far the damage has progressed. Your dentist’s job is to help you make that decision based on an exam, your symptoms, and what’s best for your long-term oral health.

At Northwest Dental and Implant Centre, we offer both procedures with gentle, modern care,  taking time to explain your options and answer every question.

‍

Book your root canal consultation today

Still wondering whether you need a filling or a root canal procedure? Don’t wait for pain to make the decision for you. Our friendly dental team is here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported from diagnosis to treatment.

Book an appointment today with Northwest Dental and Implant Centre and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.