Anybody might get nervous when the dentist says they need a root canal. Their reputation precedes them! The reality is that modern root canal treatment is your ally when it comes to oral health, designed to relieve pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth while saving your natural tooth.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, read up on the following 4 reasons why the overwhelming majority of root canal recipients don’t regret it.
1. Say Goodbye to Your Toothache
A tooth requiring a root canal may cause persistent or intense pain, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, swelling, or discomfort when biting. These symptoms can occur when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected.
During a root canal, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to help prevent reinfection.
While you may experience some tenderness after treatment, root canals are designed to relieve your pain, not make it worse!
2. Preserve Your Natural Tooth
One of the biggest benefits of root canal treatment is that it can allow you to keep your natural tooth. Without treatment, an infected or severely damaged tooth may eventually need to be extracted.
Preserving your natural tooth can help maintain your normal bite and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth. It may also help you avoid the additional procedures and expenses that can come with replacing a missing tooth.
3. Stop an Infection from Spreading
When bacteria reach the pulp of a tooth, an infection can develop. Without appropriate treatment, the infection may spread beyond the tooth and cause an abscess or other complications.
A root canal removes the infected or damaged tissue and seals the tooth, helping eliminate the source of infection.
If an infected tooth causes you symptoms such as swelling of the face, fever, severe tooth pain, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent professional care.
4. More Comfortable Than You May Expect
A lot of people think a root canal will hurt badly, but advances in dental techniques and anesthesia have made treatment much more comfortable for most patients than in years past.
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the area before beginning the procedure so you don’t feel any pain throughout the process. Also, if you suffer from acute anxiety or dental phobia, discuss sedation options like nitrous oxide with them beforehand so you can enjoy a relaxed, comfortable experience.
Afterward, some temporary sensitivity or tenderness is possible, but it can usually be managed with medication either purchased over-the-counter at the drugstore or prescribed by your dentist .
If your dentist recommends a root canal, putting it off won’t make your problem go away. It’s much more preferable than the alternative: living in pain or potentially losing your tooth! Communicate your concerns openly and honestly so your dental team is aware of your reluctance and can work to ease your worries and ensure a smooth visit.
About the Practice
If you’re hesitant to get a root canal, just know that you’re not the first. Our team is committed to keeping you comfortable while giving you the very best treatment that you can find. We even offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to make you more relaxed during the procedure. Book online or call our Plano, TX office at (214) 227-1000.