Why You Shouldn’t Second Guess Getting A Root Canal

Root canals have a bad reputation. You might already be picturing some nightmare fuel, but soldiered on because you have a root canal scheduled soon. You want to know if the treatment is worth it, or if there are alternatives. Basically, you’re second-guessing the whole procedure.

Know that if your dentist is recommending this treatment, there’s a good reason. To dig into the details, keep reading. You’ll find that torturous root canals are simply a myth.

Why’d It Have to Be a Root Canal?

You need a root canal because there’s an infection deep inside your tooth. Past your enamel, past your dentin, and on down through your gums, there’s an inner squishy layer of your tooth called “pulp”. Your dentist’s goal during root canal treatment is to remove the infected pulp. Once they’ve done that, they’ll fill the now empty “canal” with special materials and seal your tooth to prevent another infection.

Will The Infection Go Away Without a Root Canal?

No, and in fact, if you leave the infection alone and untreated, it will run rampant. Unlike other parts of your body, your teeth can’t fight off an infection with antibodies. The infection will travel across your gums, spreading to your other teeth. Before you know it, you’ll have a very big and complicated problem on your hands. Or in your mouth, as it were.

Why Can’t I Extract the Tooth?

“Okay,” you might be thinking, “but if the problem is one tooth, can’t my dentist pull the whole thing out?” Technically, they could. However, dentists don’t prefer this option. When teeth are removed, your remaining pearly whites will shift to compensate, and your jawbone will deteriorate unless you replace the gap with an implant.

“Fine, I’ll get one of those then.” Keep in mind that this will add to your bill. Dental implants require more follow up visits and more materials, making them more expensive than a root canal in the long run. You’ll have to invest more time, too. Dental implants are great for those who need them, but the recovery period alone can take up to a month!

Overall, removing your pulp is going to be a lot less dramatic than removing your entire tooth.

Root Canals Are Not Painful

Maybe it has to do with dated technology, or maybe we have Hollywood to blame, but for whatever reason, the rumor that root canals are severely painful has taken a firm root in a lot of people’s minds.

In reality, you won’t experience any more discomfort than you typically do at the dentist. Your mouth might be sore and tender after treatment, but during your root canal, your dentist will numb the area surrounding your infected tooth. After the bacteria is removed, you might notice that your dental discomfort is actually less bothersome!

Your dentist isn’t a sadist. Treatments like root canals might seem scary, but they’re necessary for maintaining your oral health. As a skilled professional, your dentist will make sure you’re comfortable in the patient’s chair. They also want your mind to be comfortable, so if you’re still second-guessing your root canal, call your dentist. They’ll be happy to talk it over with you!

About the Practice

Drs. Diana Vazquez and Jose Aldana see dentistry as an opportunity to help people feel good about their oral health. Part of this vision means making sure you’re well-informed so you can be confident with your treatment. Call 972-288-3200 for a consultation and they’ll put your root canal woes at ease. To learn more about their practice and services, visit their website.