Regret comes in many forms. From the nagging guilt of buyer’s remorse to that feeling you get when the alarm goes off after staying up too late the night before, sometimes we make hasty decisions or simply don’t think the action was worth the consequences. But one thing most people don’t end up regretting is a root canal.
The name root canal has long conjured feelings of fear thanks to old Hollywood tropes and anecdotes told back before advances in modern dentistry. But the truth is, today’s root canals are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, 87 percent of those who get them say they’re glad they did. Here’s why you won’t regret getting that root canal, either!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to save an infected tooth. To perform one, your dentist removes the infected pulp of the tooth, which is comprised of roots and nerves. Then, he or she will sterilize the inside of the tooth and replace the compromised pulp with a synthetic material that will keep the tooth stable and prevent further infection from developing. Once the tooth is filled, your dentist will close it back up, and your tooth will be free to use for chewing again.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
While a root canal sounds scary, your dentist doesn’t want you to suffer. Rest assured that your tooth and surrounding areas will be numbed prior to the start of the procedure, and you will not feel anything during this time. You may even qualify for sedation dentistry, which in addition to anesthesia can help you relax during your appointment.
While it is normal to experience some discomfort following a root canal procedure, it is usually short-lived and considerably less intense than the pain you were likely getting from the infected tooth. Thus, many patients say that the most noticeable feeling they have after the procedure is relief.
The Benefits of a Root Canal
In addition to relieving the pain of an infected tooth, a root canal can actually benefit your tooth by keeping it alive, so it does not need to be pulled. Keeping your natural teeth intact isn’t just better for aesthetic purposes, it also helps maintain the structural integrity of your jawbone, keeps your teeth in alignment, and allows you to keep speaking and chewing normally.
While it may be your first instinct to ignore tooth pain and hope it simply goes away on its own, most likely it will not, and the further it goes untreated, the worse the infection can get. In the chance it does go away, this can be another bad sign, as this just means the nerves have died. At this point, you are also at a higher risk of the infection spreading, potentially damaging more previously healthy teeth.
If you have been prescribed a root canal, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. While it’s normal to be a little nervous before any procedure, this is likely one decision you won’t regret!
About Dr. Patel
Dr. Hiren Patel loves putting a smile on his patients’ faces, whether it’s from a clean bill of health, a cosmetic procedure, or a pain-relieving restoration like a root canal. Dr. Patel is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association, just to name a few.
If you need a root canal or any other dental service, please visit our website to schedule an appointment or call us at 210-972-9736.