Making the Right Choice: Why You’ll Be Glad You Got that Root Canal

Buyer’s remorse can be a serious problem. Whether you overpaid for an appliance, your new car is a lemon, or you simply feel guilty for splurging on an expensive purse, regretting your purchase can have lasting consequences. But one thing you probably won’t regret is saving your tooth with a root canal. Although this treatment may seem a little scary, the good news is that it’s not only extremely common, but it’s also very safe and effective. Here’s why 87 percent of people who get them say they’re happy they did, and why you should be too!

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to save an infected or broken tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will first numb the surrounding area, so you are completely comfortable. Then, he or she will remove the infected pulp from inside and replace it with a synthetic material that stabilizes it and prevents further infection. Finally, they will close the tooth with either a filling or a dental crown and your tooth will be fully functional once again.

Will My Root Canal Hurt?

While the common myth about root canals is that they’re painful, because your dentist numbs your mouth before beginning treatment you shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure. The reputation they have for being uncomfortable likely comes from the pain you feel due to the infection that occurs before the treatment. In fact, most patients say they feel much better immediately following treatment, not worse!

After the numbing wears off, you may experience some discomfort, but this is usually well managed with over the counter or prescribed painkillers and should begin to dissipate over the next few days.

What are the Benefits of Getting a Root Canal?

The benefits of root canal treatment are multifold. For starters, it stops the painful infection from proliferating in your tooth. This not only alleviates the pain, but it prevents it from spreading to other teeth and throughout your body. This will reduce the risk of you needing more root canals or even extractions.  If left untreated tooth infections can cause serious illness and can even be fatal, so stopping them before they get a chance to wreak more havoc can even save your life!

Although you may be tempted to simply have the tooth extracted, this comes with its own set of consequences, such as needing to replace the removed tooth which is essential for preventing jawbone deterioration and alignment problems. In some cases, patients will hope the infection goes away on its own, but this is not possible. In fact, if you do notice the pain in your infected tooth has stopped, this could be the sign that the nerves have died, and the infection has spread to other areas of the body.

Remember, root canals are designed to protect your teeth and body from the spread of a dangerous bacterial infection. The good news is that this common treatment is nothing to be afraid of and should provide fast relief while it safeguards your smile, so don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for help today!

About Our Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, Dr. Shtarkman and Dr. Salib understand that it can be scary to need a root canal. The great news is that this treatment is not only safe and effective, but also extremely common. Don’t put your smile and your health at risk. If you have a painful tooth infection or damaged tooth, stop putting off treatment. Call us today at 440-885-5354 and schedule your root canal or visit our website to book an appointment online.