Learning you need a root canal may not be the most exciting or welcoming news you’ll hear from your dentist. The idea of enduring any type of oral surgery tends to cause many patients to second guess their decision to move forward. And unfortunately, the misperception that root canals are painful only furthers the idea that regret will follow after completing treatment. There is good news, however, as a dentist explains why these procedures leave most patients pleased with their results and the ability to enjoy a fully functional smile again.
Reasons You Might Need a Root Canal
Most people associate root canals with pain. If you experience severe tooth discomfort, you will likely require this type of treatment, right? Not always. Pain is only one symptom that can occur, but it is not always present. You may not even realize you need a root canal if these particular nerves are not being triggered.
While it is ultimately up to your dentist as to whether you need a root canal, some of the most common ways to determine if you should start preparing for this type of treatment include:
- An infection (abscess) develops within the tooth and reaches the pulp, putting your oral and overall health at risk
- Facial trauma damages the innermost layer of the tooth and prevents it from being functional
- A customized dental crown is no longer sealing the tooth from decay, allowing bacteria to enter and reinfect the area
- The tooth has undergone multiple procedures and is now no longer stable
Why Root Canals Are Better Than Tooth Extractions
Even though you understand that root canals do not cause pain but instead remove the cause of it (the infection), you should still understand that there is likely to be some level of discomfort following your procedure. This can cause many individuals to immediately regret their decision to move forward with a root canal. However, this is only temporary, and with the help of over-the-counter pain medication as well as cold compresses, you can expect to feel better in a short time.
But apart from the feelings of pain and discomfort following your root canal, you’ll be pleased to know that by choosing to save your natural tooth, you can avoid the potential for a tooth replacement. Although many of the materials used today are high-quality and even look and feel like regular teeth, they do not maintain the same level of strength as natural ones. This is why if a dentist can save your tooth from extraction, they will.
So don’t jump to the conclusion that having the tooth removed is better than undergoing a root canal. By flipping the script on this and working to save your natural smile, you’ll enjoy greater functionality and a longer-lasting smile.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She earned the recognition of being one of Westminster’s Top 3 Local Dentists in 2019 as well as one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020. Whether she is performing a general checkup or preparing an individual for a root canal, she believes in patient-focused treatment that ensures safety and comfort. Do you have a problem tooth that needs repairing? Do you believe you could benefit from root canal therapy? If so, contact us at (720) 458-6561.