Did you know that about 15 million root canals are performed every year? While this treatment is essential for preserving pearly whites, there are several misconceptions about the procedure. This may cause you to hesitate to undergo the tooth-saving process, which can be detrimental to your oral health in the long run. Fortunately, the treatment isn’t as scary as you may have heard. Read on to learn four facts about root canal therapy and what you should expect!
Fact #1: Root Canal Therapy Isn’t Painful
One of the biggest and most influential myths regarding root canal therapy is that it’s incredibly painful. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your dental team will make sure your mouth is completely numb before beginning any work. The most you should expect is slight pressure while your dentist works to save your tooth. Most patients claim the process is quite similar to getting a large filling. Your dentist may even provide you with sedation dentistry to help you stay relaxed throughout your appointment.
Fact #2: Root Canal Therapy Is Good News
While you might feel overwhelmed or anxious after hearing that you need a root canal, this is actually good news! This means you might be able to keep your tooth. If it’s damaged or decayed beyond repair, then you may have to undergo a tooth extraction, which will involve a lengthier recovery and additional tooth-replacement costs, such as a dental implant. By getting a root canal, you can avoid any further hassles later on.
Fact #3: Antibiotics Won’t Treat an Infection in Your Tooth
Antibiotics can effectively eliminate infections in your body, so you might assume they can do the same for a severely decayed tooth. However, this won’t work. If the blood vessels in your teeth have been damaged, then antibiotics won’t be able to access the inner layers to cure an infection. To restore it, you’ll need to visit your dentist to undergo root canal therapy.
Fact #4: You’ll Need a Root Canal Even If Pain Vanishes
Has any tooth pain or discomfort suddenly vanished? While this may seem like the problem is over, you should still have your dentist examine your oral health. Pain that has subsided could be an indication that the nerves within are damaged, meaning the infection has spread significantly. To keep the issue from advancing, your dentist should remove the infected particles as soon as possible.
Now that you know these few facts about root canal therapy, you’ll know what to expect when heading into your appointment. If you still have any questions about the treatment, speak with your dentist and they’ll be more than happy to ease your concerns!
About the Author
Dr. Yosuk Joseph Lee earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills and expertise. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including root canal therapy. If you’d like to know more about this tooth-saving procedure, feel free to visit our website or call 972-329-4200.