Those who are struggling with a badly decayed, broken, or otherwise compromised tooth may require root canal treatment to preserve it. While this procedure is essential for keeping your smile healthy and safe, it does have a reputation for being unsettling or scary. However, this can’t be further from the truth! Read on to learn several facts about root canal treatment that should make you feel more comfortable and confident about this dental service.
#1: Root Canal Treatment Isn’t Painful
One of the biggest fears about root canals is that the process is painful. Fortunately, this isn’t the case at all! During your appointment, your dentist will typically administer a local anesthetic to completely numb your mouth so you remain pain-free. They may even provide you with sedation dentistry so that you can be as relaxed as possible. In many cases, patients report the treatment going as smoothly as getting a regular filling.
#2: Even if Pain Fades, You May Need a Root Canal
Sometimes a toothache may feel like it’s subsided on its own. However, this could be a false sense of safety, as the nerve of the tooth may have been damaged enough for it to “die.” For this reason, even if you don’t feel pain in the tooth any longer, you might still require a root canal to save it. This can ensure that no bacteria or infection can continue spreading and damaging your oral health.
#3: Antibiotics Alone Will Not Resolve an Infection in a Tooth
Although antibiotics can be beneficial for treating the infection that occurs in the tissues outside of the tooth, the infected tissue inside of the tooth needs to be removed to address the cause of the infection. This is because the medication will travel through the bloodstream to reach the affected areas—except for your pearly whites. Antibiotics won’t go to the inner layers of your tooth to resolve an infection, so your dentist will need to perform a root canal to fix the issue.
#4: Root Canal Treatment Is Great News
If you’ve been told that you’ll require this restorative procedure, then this is very good news. This means that you have a chance to save your tooth. In many cases, teeth that are severely damaged or decayed will require extraction, which can then lead to the need for costly tooth replacements. If a root canal is possible, you’ll be able to save money while also preserving your natural smile.
Now that you know more about root canal treatment, you won’t have to feel uneasy about the procedure. Speak with your dentist if you still have concerns, and they’ll be happy to walk you through what to expect from your appointment!
About the Author
Born and raised in Salem, Dr. Christel Cochell has been delivering outstanding and comfortable dental procedures for about two decades. She’s undergone countless hours of continuing education and is also a member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Seattle Study Club. If you wish to learn more about root canal treatment before undergoing your procedure or need to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call her at 503-585-8688.