It’s normal in life to occasionally experience regret. Whether it’s buyers’ remorse, the frustration of wasting calories on a disappointing meal, or deciding to swing by the gas station “in the morning” instead of taking care of it on the way home from work, there’s very little worse than the feeling that you should’ve just listened to your intuition. But one thing you probably won’t regret is getting a root canal.
While this tooth-saving treatment may sound a little scary at first, the truth is that today’s root canals are safer and more successful than ever. Here’s why an impressive 87 percent of those who get them say they’re glad they did, and why you’ll be happy too!
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save an infected tooth. To perform this treatment, your dentist must remove the infected tooth pulp, which is made of roots and nerves. Then, he will sterilize the inside of the tooth and replace the damaged pulp with synthetic material called gutta percha, which stabilizes the tooth and prevents further infection. Once it is filled, your dentist will close the tooth back up and it will be fully functional.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Many people first hear about root canals through TV or film, where they have earned a pop culture reputation as being painful or scary. But the truth is, your dentist wants to alleviate your discomfort, not worsen it. That’s why your mouth will be numbed before any work begins on your smile.
While yes, it is normal to experience some pain during the root canal healing process, this is typically very brief and far less intense than it was when your tooth was infected. In fact, many patients say the strongest thing they feel after their root canal is actually relief!
The Benefits of a Root Canal
In addition to stopping the pain from the infection itself, a root canal also benefits the tooth by keeping it alive, so it doesn’t require extraction. Saving your natural teeth doesn’t just benefit you aesthetically, it also helps maintain the health of your jawbone and keeps your arches aligned.
While you may be tempted to ignore tooth pain in hopes that it will go away on its own, the truth is that tooth infections can’t heal themselves. In fact, if you do notice the discomfort has suddenly stopped, this may actually be a bad sign, as it typically means that the nerves have died and the infection could be spreading elsewhere in the body.
Remember, if you have a tooth infection, don’t wait around for it to get worse. Schedule a root canal with your dentist today. You won’t regret it!
About Dr. Moulton
For over 30 years, Dr. Marc Moulton has been helping improve patients oral health with a variety of smile saving treatments. He earned his undergraduate degree at Emory University, and his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. He is a current member of the American Dental Association, and a continuing education regular at Spear Institute. If you’re suffering from a painful tooth infection and need a root canal, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call us as soon as possible for an urgent appointment at 205-988-3360.