Root Canals Can Deliver Significant Benefits; Here’s How

If you’ve been watching TV or movies at all during the last few decades, you’ve probably seen root canals comedically portrayed as horrific and agonizing ordeals. While these depictions can indeed be quite funny, they are not true to life and may have given root canals their undeservedly fierce reputation. Here’s how your endodontist will ensure your comfort during the root canal process, as well as a few of the impressive benefits this treatment can provide.

Root Canals Are Completely Painless

The root canal process begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that they feel no pain throughout the procedure, and they may also receive sedation if they need extra help staying still and calm. While you should not experience any discomfort during your root canal, you may experience some soreness after the anesthetic wears off. This problem should be mild, temporary, and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication, but please contact your endodontist if your discomfort seems to be getting worse after several days.

Root Canals Can Bring an Immediate End to the Agony of a Toothache

If there’s anything that everyone who has ever had a toothache can agree on, it’s that the pain it causes is quite horrible. Severe, throbbing toothaches are typically the result of advanced dental decay that will not get better without the intervention of a qualified oral health professional. A root canal can immediately terminate a toothache by removing the compromised tissue, which is the source of the pain, and sanitizing and sealing the rest of the tooth to prevent future infections.

Root Canals Can Prevent Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem that can lead to a host of other issues like gum injuries, dental misalignments, indigestion, malnutrition, the loss of more teeth, and difficulty chewing and speaking. Thankfully, a root canal may be able to preserve a severely compromised tooth so that it can function well for much longer than it would otherwise. Typically, dental crowns are placed on teeth that receive root canals to protect them from further damage. This can help you enjoy the benefits of having a complete smile even after severe dental infection.

Don’t let a little misinformation about root canals scare you away from getting much-needed relief from a horrible toothache. Consulting with your endodontist can help you find the best way to resolve your dental infection.

About the Author

Dr. Javier Ortiz earned his dental degree at the University of Puerto Rico and completed his General Practice Residency at Tufts University. He is a member of the American Academy of Endodontists and takes great pride in helping patients preserve their smiles and oral health. His office in Richardson offers endodontic, periodontic, and orthodontic services. If you suspect that you need a root canal, contact his office online or dial (972) 479-1200.