The Must-Knows About Root Canal Therapy
Let’s face it: root canals have a bad reputation. Hearing that you need a root canal is undoubtedly one of the most dreaded things at the dentist’s office. Most of us are scared about this treatment due to exaggerated claims about the level of pain and discomfort associated with it. Many people mistakenly believe this treatment is knotty and invasive to get through.
However, having a clear and accurate idea about this procedure can reduce any irrational fears you may have. It also helps to make the treatment process more comfortable and convenient for the root canal dentist and yourself. More knowledge always leads to less fear. Let’s take a look at the most overriding factors everyone should know about root canal therapy!
It’s Actually Not Painful At All!
Let’s be honest: we all hate toothache, especially when there’s an infected tooth involved! From fever, tenderness, swelling in the surrounding gum and jaw tissue, mild to severe dental pain (not to forget the foul smell and taste around the affected tooth!), suffering from an infected tooth pulp is no fun! Even though root canal treatments have a bad reputation for causing pain, from the beginning of the procedure to the end, it has can actually help reduce any kind of pain that you may have.
Root canals are a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the affected area thoroughly. Most patients claim that root canal therapy is not any more painful than getting a cavity filled. In addition to providing pain relief, root canal treatment has proven to offer many other lasting oral benefits!
Pain Subsiding Isn’t an Excuse for Not Having a Root Canal Treatment.
Many people try to tolerate a toothache and delay going to the dentist for several reasons. But you experience pain when bacteria attack the tooth’s pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If you wait way too long, the pulp may die, and the pain can disappear, but the next stage is an infection that travels to the roots (and we all know the unbearable pain that follows!). Therefore, make sure to pay a visit to your dentist as soon as you experience pain and discomfort before that painful and unwanted infection spreads.
Save You Some Bucks
Tooth extraction can take longer than root canal treatment due to follow-up appointments required for a denture, bridge, or implant; plus, the cost may be higher. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment.
No Need To Pull Your Tooth
If left untreated, a pulp infection could destabilize your tooth’s position within the jaw and deteriorate its most basic structure. This could cause your tooth to fall out or require extraction. Receiving root canal treatment can actually help you save your tooth and smile (and not have to live with a gap in your smile!). The alternative is tooth extraction, followed by a dental implant, which can be a healthier solution!
A Great Healing Period
While the treatment itself doesn’t cause pain, you are likely to feel sore and uncomfortable afterward until it fully heals. Dentists often recommend regular painkillers and sometimes prescribe medication to accelerate the healing process. It is essential to rest well and consume soft foods to allow your body to heal faster. After a few days, many people are able to return to their normal lifestyle.
Taking Antibiotics Doesn’t Cure Tooth Infections!
When you first experience a toothache due to an infection, one of the first thoughts that most people have is to treat it with antibiotics. However, the working mechanism of antibiotics includes reaching the infected site through the bloodstream. Due to the location of this tooth infection, antibiotic medicine cannot effectively treat it.
Not an Invincible Treatment
Root canal treatment and crowns often last over 15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, it does not make your tooth entirely invincible from future damage caused by cavities or gum disease. Therefore, you will need to take extra care of your teeth and always keep the oral cavity clean. Always be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist at least once every six months to avoid further damage.
Preserve Your Natural Smile!
What’s better than a beautiful set of natural and healthy teeth? Root canal therapy helps in preserving your natural teeth. From maintaining your usual biting efficiency to avoiding any excessive wear or strain on the adjacent teeth, saving your natural teeth actually comes with a string of benefits!
It can even improve the appearance of your tooth and let you laugh out loud again! Decay, fracture, and infection can cause aesthetic issues with your tooth, causing it to crack or appear darker. Thank to root canal therapy, the hole created can be sealed with a durable, tooth-colored bonding material for a natural appearance. Your dentist will also create a custom made crown to cover, beautify, and fortify the rest of your tooth. This restoration will allow your tooth to look and function just as good (or, more likely, better!) as your natural teeth.
Aftercare Is Essential
A root canal treatment may save your tooth, but it also weakens it. Therefore, taking extra care of that particular tooth is essential to ensure that it doesn’t eventually break or fall off. Ideally, your dentist in Winnipeg will attach a crown for extra protection. If not, make sure you understand your dentist’s instructions to care for your tooth after treatment properly.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
Living with an infected tooth can be detrimental to your general and oral health. Without treatment, bacteria could penetrate surrounding teeth and gums or even travel throughout your system. Undergoing root canal therapy is a proactive way to protect your well-being and maintain a beautiful smile.
If you’re suffering from an infected pulp, don’t put off your treatment! Dandenong Denture Clinic can make repairing your smile a simple, successful process. Established more than 30 years ago, they offer top-quality dentures and dental care in a relaxed, modern, and fully equipped clinic.
