You’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming root canal procedure. Many patients assume this treatment will inevitably take a long time or cause more pain than it’s worth. However, thanks to contemporary dental technology and techniques, that’s not usually the case!
Although many people get nervous about undergoing this treatment, it tends to alleviate more issues than it causes. Continue reading to learn about 3 advantages of having a root canal that can help put your mind at ease regarding your appointment!
Benefit #1: It Alleviates Your Toothache
Are you scared that your procedure will worsen the throbbing in your already-tender tooth? If your dentist recommended this service to treat a toothache, then your discomfort is likely caused by an infection in the pulp inside. This happens when bacteria in your mouth penetrate your enamel and work their way into the roots, causing disease that triggers a painful inflammatory defensive response.
A root canal is the tried-and-true method for removing the damaged materials to provide some much-needed relief so that you can get back to living life without severe or persistent pain. Rest assured, your dentist will numb the area before starting your procedure, so you might feel pressure while they work, but not outright discomfort.
Benefit #2: It Helps Avoid an Extraction
Plenty of patients are so scared of root canals that they wonder whether removing their troublesome tooth would be a less painful and more cost-effective solution. However, there are additional complications from losing adult teeth you might not have considered.
For example, your roots stimulate new bone growth in your jaw every time you bite down or chew. You can lose up to 25% of the surrounding density within the first year of one going missing, which weakens the foundation of your mouth. Over time, this can lead to additional tooth loss that could otherwise have been prevented.
Benefit #3: You Can Be Kept Comfortable
Root canals have a somewhat negative public reputation thanks to portrayals in the media, but the torturous depictions you may have seen don’t represent the reality of what’s involved in this procedure. It might have looked different in the past, but today, your dentist offers different medications that can help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your appointment.
For instance, many providers offer sedatives, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that’s inhaled through a mask placed over your nose while they work. This doesn’t ‘knock you out’, but it does induce feelings of well-being and euphoria that kick in moments after you start inhaling the drug. Then, the effects dissipate just as quickly once the mask is removed.
If you have other questions or concerns about your required treatment, your dentist can provide more accurate information based on your unique circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis has 15 years of experience helping families enhance their daily lives by improving their oral health. She earned her dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry, and today, offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning or a more complex services, like a root canal, she has the skills and state-of-the-art technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 954-9728.