Root canal therapy can be a very important treatment. In fact, this treatment may be necessary to save your tooth and to alleviate suffering. Sadly, despite its importance, root canal therapy is arguably the most feared of all dental treatments.
But does this treatment really merit the dread associated with it? Honestly, no. Root canal therapy still has a bad reputation today mostly because of how the treatment was performed in years past—before the advent of modern dentistry.
Fortunately, there are many reasons that you shouldn’t fear root canal therapy. Here are three of the most important.
It can be your best option: Your tooth is made up of three levels: enamel, dentin, and pulp. When your pulp becomes infected, a root canal can be the only way to save your natural tooth. If a root canal therapy isn’t performed, your tooth will probably be removed. Just as importantly, when your pulp is infected, your tooth can be extremely sensitive and you may experience an excruciating toothache. In fact, root canal treatment is typically far less unpleasant than living with an infected tooth.
It is typically painless: Scientists have found evidence of root canals being performed in the second or third century B.C. This evidence is a bronze wire stuck in a skull’s tooth. Luckily, root canal therapy has made monumental strides since then. Now, we have anesthesia to ensure that your mouth is numb before we begin. Because of sedatives, most patients who have had root canal therapy describe it as painless.
It will be over soon: It’s natural for patients to worry about how they will feel after their treatment. While it is an understandable concern, we are happy to tell you that most patients only need over the counter pain medications to be comfortable during their recovery. In just a single day we can treat your infected root canal, alleviate discomfort, and save your smile.
If you are interested in learning more about root canal therapy, please do not hesitate to contact us today!