If your tooth is suffering from a dangerous dental infection, it could be at risk of spreading to other teeth and eventually requiring extraction. To protect it from further harm and keep the rest of your mouth and body safe, too, your dentist may recommend a procedure known as a root canal. Here’s a closer look at what this treatment involves, and why you’ll likely be glad you received it!
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canals are treatments that are performed to save a tooth from dangerous internal infections that affect the pulp. First, your dentist will numb your mouth and then open the tooth to remove the damaged nerves and tissue. They will then sanitize it and refill it with a synthetic material that prevents further infection and helps keep the insides healthy and strong. Finally, it can be sealed back up with the help of either a tooth-colored filling or a dental crown, so it looks, feels, and works as good as new!
Will My Root Canal Be Painful?
You may have already heard of root canals on TV, likely on an episode of a sitcom where the patient has an agonizing toothache and subsequent dental procedure. However, while this dated trope is great for ratings, it’s not very accurate, as your dentist will always numb your tooth before your procedure, so you should never feel any pain during treatment. Better still, most people say their tooth feels better immediately after treatment, too- not worse!
Although you may experience some sensitivity and soreness for a few days following your procedure once the numbing wears off, this is also typically mild and can usually be easily managed with the help of prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will discuss your aftercare instructions with you prior to your root canal, so you understand how best to handle the healing process.
The Incredible Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canals do more than just relieve the infected or broken tooth: they can also protect your other teeth from the same infection, as well as prevent it from spreading throughout your body. They can even reduce the need for a tooth extraction, which could ultimately require a costly tooth replacement procedure, too. Plus, because the tooth remains in place, your jawbone will continue to receive proper stimulation to keep your smile in a healthy alignment and protect against tooth drift and loss.
Although it would be nice if tooth infections went away with antibiotics or on their own, the truth is that without a root canal or extraction, they are likely to worsen or spread, and in rare cases can even be fatal. Thus, if your dentist recommends a root canal, do your smile a favor and say yes to this important oral health treatment. You won’t regret it!
About Our Practice
At Hanford Family Dental Center, Dr. Raiyani and Dr. Randhawa want to save your tooth from painful infections that can wreak havoc on your smile. To schedule a root canal and restore the appearance and function of your infected tooth without resorting to extraction, contact us today by visiting our website or calling 559-530-8080.