Did you visit your dentist to address a sudden or severe toothache only to learn that you need a root canal? If you’re feeling anxious about it, you’re not alone. Many patients have heard misinformation that leads them to believe their procedure will inevitably be long and agonizing. Thankfully, that’s generally not the case!
Continue reading to learn 3 things about root canals you might not already know that can help you move forward with your appointment confidently!
Fact #1: They Don’t Usually Hurt
It’s only natural to want to avoid scheduling your appointment if you think you’ll end up feeling more uncomfortable than you already do. Thankfully, you can set your concerns aside when it comes to root canals. Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic before they begin to ensure that you remain relaxed and at ease the entire time.
Then, they’ll create a small opening in your tooth to release the pressure build up and clean and sterilize your tooth before sealing it closed and fitting you with a restoration, like a dental crown, to protect it. This process typically alleviates more pain than it causes.
Fact #2: They Don’t Require a Toothache
You might expect your dentist to suggest a root canal if you’ve already been suffering from persistent or overwhelming throbbing, but if you didn’t know you had an issue, it may come as a surprise. When bacteria penetrate the tender pulp and nerves inside your teeth, the ensuing infection and inflammation can cause discomfort, which lets you know there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
However, if you feel perfectly fine and are told you need this procedure, you might wonder whether it’s necessary. The truth is that the infection might already have done enough damage that the nerves have died and can no longer send pain signals to your brain. The disease can spread to your neighboring teeth, gums, or jawbone if left unaddressed, so it’s essential that you receive treatment sooner rather than later.
Fact #3: They Preserve Your Dental Health
If you’re considering having your problematic tooth extracted because it seems more cost-effective, you may want to reconsider! Missing teeth come with additional consequences that can add up over time. For instance, your remaining chompers are prone to shifting out of alignment to fill in the gap, which wears down your enamel unevenly. This increases your vulnerability to tooth decay and additional injuries.
Plus, your jawbone begins to deteriorate without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth, which can cause sunken cheeks and more facial wrinkles. You can preserve your oral well-being and facial structure by opting for a root canal instead.
If you still have unanswered questions about your upcoming appointment, you can gain peace of mind by bringing it up with your dentist. They’re usually more than happy to walk you through the details so you feel confident moving forward.
About the Practice
The dedicated team at Beverly Farms Dental has been helping local families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles for 30+ years. They provide a full array of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including root canals. They take the time to learn your unique concerns and goals to tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you have a toothache or need a root canal, you can request an appointment on the website or call (978) 927-3515.