Toothache - does it always mean a root canal is needed?

[Ladi85]

I have a large filling on a molar which has cracked over time...I have mild pain in the area, not sensitive to hot cold and am fearing a root canal- is this always what’s needed?

How quickly should I see a dentist? If I can put up with the discomfort, is it ok to wait a week?

Thanks

I don’t know if a root canal is always needed, but just wanted to say I had one and it’s not that bad. Not any worse really than a normal filling, although I don’t usually have a local anaesthetic for a normal filling and I did for the root canal.
I would just get in as quick as you can. If it’s finances making you hesitate, I think you’ll need several appointments for a root canal so probably won’t need to pay till treatment is complete.

Only your dentist can tell you what’s needed, but to echo papergirl a root canal is like a long, boring filling, but with a lot less drilling.

No sometimes it means an extraction (sadly voice of experience)

Thanks all. I’ve made an appt now