Saving Teeth with Root Canal Treatment: The Impact and Importance Explained
The idea of getting a root canal may make you feel uneasy or sound unpleasant, but when you have severely decayed teeth or an infection in the root or pulp of a tooth, it might be a necessary procedure. When you remove the infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth’s root canals, your dentist can efficiently clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth and then fill and seal the canals to protect from any future infections. Despite your fears about getting a root canal, it can be very beneficial and help save your natural tooth. Instead of completely removing your tooth, you can keep your smile healthy and bright.
Benefits Of Root Canals
If you ignore an infected tooth for too long, you may get to a point where you absolutely need a tooth extraction because the natural tooth can no longer be saved. Having the tooth extracted may be less expensive, but with a root canal, you will likely spend less money in the long run and save your tooth. When you have a tooth extracted, the gap may affect your appearance, alter your bite and chewing, and even have an impact on your speech. If you want to fill the gap, you’ll need an implant or bridge, which can be expensive. When restoring your natural tooth with a root canal, there is less maintenance compared to an implant or bridge.
There are a handful of advantages of a root canal treatment over an extraction:
Save the Natural Tooth
With a tooth infection, the immediate reaction is usually to think it needs to be removed. But with root canal treatment, you can save your natural tooth. During a root canal, the dentist opens the tooth, removes the infected pulp, and disinfects the inside of the root canals and tooth. Then, the tooth is sealed, and you can usually eat, drink, and smile.
Less Painful Than An Extraction
While there is a common misconception that root canal treatments are painful, a modern root canal treatment is much less painful or uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted. Endodontists and dentists use modern techniques and anesthesia to help diminish pain and discomfort during the root canal and after. Toothaches can be severely painful, and a root canal treatment can offer immediate relief.
Avoids Spreading Infection
If one tooth is infected, it may spread to other teeth. With the infectious pulp being removed during the root canal treatment, any further infection can be prevented from spreading to other teeth and parts of the mouth like the jawbone, soft surrounding tissue, and other parts of the face.
Correct Bite and Chewing
Abscesses can cause pain and swelling that makes it uncomfortable to chew. You might find yourself avoiding chewing on one side or very carefully to avoid pain. Once you’ve completed the root canal treatment and have a new filling or crown in place, you can expect an improved bite and more comfort when chewing, biting down, and smiling.
Keep A Healthy Smile
Similar to cosmetic dentistry procedures, a filling or new porcelain crown can make all the difference for a more dazzling, healthy smile. Your tooth will look brand new once your dentist cleans out the inside of the tooth and puts the finishing touches on the tooth. Additionally, a new crown or filling helps protect against any further damage to the tooth in the future.
Common Signs You Need A Root Canal
Minor dental issues may allow you to wait a few weeks or months before handling the problem, but when it comes to these signs of a root canal infection, you should avoid delaying treatment:
- Severe tooth pain when chewing
- Discoloration of tooth
- Swelling or tenderness around gums
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
Making an appointment with a dentist if you have any symptoms can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Preventative And Restorative Care In Texas
It’s only natural to feel uncertain when it comes to a root canal treatment because of the common misconceptions about the cost, benefits, and discomfort involved. However, many dental professionals agree that root canals are a more effective and reliable way to save a tooth. The sooner you take care of the issue at the source, the sooner you’ll find relief from any tooth pain and be able to keep your tooth. It’s important to remember for preventative care to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and examination to help keep teeth strong and avoid future problems.
If you are seeking root canal treatment in Benders Landing, Woodforest, Spring, North Houston, or the Conroe/Montgomery area, the offices of Carrie Muzny D.D.S. can take care of you. We offer regular cleanings, sealants, screenings, periodontal therapy, cosmetic and restorative services, prevention, sedation dentistry, and oral surgery. We have virtual consultations and in-person appointments at our Woodlands office.
Contact us today to take the first step toward transforming your smile.
