Getting a root canal may not be on your bucket list in life, but it shouldn’t be a procedure you fear or put off if it is recommended for you. In fact, if you were told that you need a root canal, then this dental treatment is what will bring you relief and save your tooth. When tooth decay or extensive damage reaches the inner chamber of the tooth, it can be quite uncomfortable. In order to relieve your pain and restore the tooth, root canal therapy is performed. Unfortunately, many patients believe the misconceptions surrounding root canals, which has led to their bad reputation.
What Warrants a Root Canal?
There are times when a dental filling or crown simply won’t repair a damaged tooth. When you have a severe toothache from an infected tooth or an advanced cavity, a root canal is likely the treatment of choice.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
The pulp or the center of your tooth is where the blood vessels and nerves reside. If decay has penetrated this area, an infection is quick to follow. A root canal can remove these infected nerves. Once the pulp is thorough cleaned and disinfected, the canal and tooth chamber is filled with a rubber-like material. This seals the tooth and prevents it from future infection. In most cases, a crown is then placed on top of the affected tooth to fully restore its strength.
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?
This is undoubtedly the most common myth about root canals. A root canal is performed with advanced anesthetics and sedation dentistry, so patients should experience no more discomfort than they would during a dental filling. Not only are root canals not painful, they actually provide immediate pain relief for most patients.
Is It Better to Extract the Tooth?
Saving a natural tooth is always the best solution. While you may think that you’d be saving money by just getting the tooth extracted, your missing tooth will need to be replaced. Missing teeth cause adjacent teeth to shift, bite misalignment and even bone loss if not properly replaced with a dental implant. Root canal therapy is in fact a conservative option compared to a tooth extraction and subsequent dental implant.
Have more questions about root canals? We want to answer them. Contact Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today for the truth about root canals and other restorative dental treatments. We deliver top quality, painless dentistry when restoring the beauty and health of your smile.
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