If your dentist has recently informed you that you’re going to need a root canal to address an issue with one of your teeth, you might be feeling a little nervous about the procedure. But you have nothing to fear; with over 15 million root canals performed in the US annually, the treatment is remarkably common and undeniably useful! Here are three reasons from your dentist that should have you feeling confident heading into a root canal.
Reason #1. Your Tooth Is Given a Second Chance
Root canals are designed to give your compromised tooth the chance to remain inside your mouth. When the soft inner layer of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected, the resulting cavity that forms can expand into the nerves of the tooth—and cause you a great deal of pain! Root canal therapy allows your dentist to clear the infected pulp from inside the tooth and seal it back up to prevent future problems.
Reason #2. The Procedure Isn’t Painful
Root canals have an unfair reputation; despite what you might’ve heard through the grapevine or seen on television, the procedure is practically painless! Your comfort is your dentist’s top priority, and your mouth will be appropriately numbed for the entire duration of the procedure. That said, you may experience some very mild discomfort after the numbness wears off, but this fades quickly and isn’t something you need to worry about. If you experience complications, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
Reason #3. The Alternative Is Much Worse
Failing to treat a problem with your tooth’s pulp can lead to serious issues; the infection can travel beyond the tooth, into your jaws and gum tissue. If the infection has led to something severe like an abscessed tooth, an extraction might be necessary to stave off potential oral health issues. Your natural teeth are the best available tools at your disposal for biting, chewing, talking, and so on, meaning that you should want them to remain healthy and inside your mouth throughout your whole life. Following a root canal, your tooth will look and function quite well afterward, in addition to feeling pain-free!
The bottom line is that root canals are among the most common and useful procedures in the world of dentistry, fully capable of giving a tooth a second lease on life. They certainly aren’t something you should fear undergoing—or regret afterward!
About the Practice
The team at Westgate Dental Care has proudly served patients and families in the Arlington Heights, IL community for several years. They’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or the services offered by the practice, including root canal therapy, feel free to visit their website or give them a call for information or assistance. Telephone: (847) 577-7171.