Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth that’s causing you persistent pain? If so, there’s a good chance your dentist will recommend a root canal procedure to alleviate the throbbing.
This procedure is incredibly common, with more than 15 million performed annually in the United States. Despite its routine nature, many patients worry that their root canal will be long and agonizing. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons you can set your fears aside!
Reason #1: It Relieves Pain
Many people assume that their tender tooth will eventually stop hurting, but the truth is that most dental problems don’t repair themselves and only worsen over time. That means the longer you wait to contact your dentist for an appointment, the more likely your condition will deteriorate and require more costly and complex procedures to fix.
A root canal allows your provider to provide a much-needed reprieve by removing infected materials causing your discomfort. First, they create an opening to access the injured materials irritating the nerves inside your roots. Then, they’ll sanitize your tooth to kill remaining germs before sealing it closed. Finally, your dental crown will be cemented in place to protect the underlying tooth while allowing you to continue using it normally.
Reason #2: It Preserves Your Natural Tooth
Some folks want to know whether there are alternative treatments to a root canal, but in many instances, extraction is the only other viable option. This service is required to alleviate infection and restore a tooth’s functionality when it’s too injured to be fixed by more straightforward solutions. For instance, you might need a root canal if your pearly white has eroded too much to be fixed effectively with a tooth-colored filling.
This option is often the only recourse your dentist has to save your natural tooth. Extraction and replacement might be considered, but come with an additional risk of infection and can lead to jawbone degeneration after tooth loss.
Reason #3: Sedatives Are Available
Your dentist will provide a local anesthetic to prevent the nerves in your teeth and jaw from sending pain signals to your brain while they work. However, if you’re overly anxious, have a sensitive gag reflex, or struggle to sit still for longer periods, you might also ask if they offer sedatives.
Many providers understand that people get anxious regarding root canals and offer one or more medications that can keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. For instance, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be inhaled through a mask placed over your nose, or they might prescribe a pill with instructions for you to take it before you arrive. That way, the effects kick in by the time your procedure begins.
Thankfully, getting a root canal is a straightforward process that alleviates more issues than it causes!
Meet the Author
Dr. George Hoop has 30+ years of experience helping people build and maintain happy and healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Emory University School of Dentistry, where he remained to complete a periodontal specialty residency. He provides a complete array of services at one convenient location, including root canals, and takes the time to get to know you so he can tailor treatments to your unique needs. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (239) 939-7299.