Did you know that millions of root canals are performed each year? 15 million, to be exact! So, if you have a decayed, fractured, or otherwise damaged tooth that needs root canal therapy, you’re not alone. The good news is that this tooth-saving treatment isn’t anywhere near as scary as its reputation makes it out to be. So, if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive, keep reading to learn four facts about root canal therapy.
Fact #1: Root Canal Therapy Is Actually Good News!
When you find out you need a root canal, your first emotion might be sadness. However, root canal therapy is actually good news – it means your tooth can be saved! When the damage is too severe, then the only treatment option is an extraction, which requires a more extensive recovery and the addition of a tooth replacement, like a dental implant. So, a root canal is good news all around.
Fact #2: You Need a Root Canal Even If the Pain Subsides
If your painful toothache subsides, don’t postpone your treatment. This is often the next natural step of the infection: to “kill” the nerve of the tooth. Since the damage to your oral and overall health won’t stop there, it’s of the utmost importance that you get the treatment you need sooner rather than later.
Fact #3: Taking Antibiotics Won’t Help an Infection in Your Mouth
Since antibiotics can help kill infections in your body, you might naturally think you can take the same approach for your oral health. Unfortunately, that won’t work. In fact, the medicine won’t reach the location of the tooth’s infection, so it will continue to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. The best (and only!) way to restore your tooth and your oral health is by visiting your dentist for root canal therapy.
Fact #4: Root Canal Therapy Isn’t Painful
Perhaps one of the biggest myths surrounding root canal therapy is that it’s painful. Good news: that’s not the case. Thanks to powerful numbing agents, the most you will feel is some slight pressure from your dentist working. As a result, most patients find it to be no more cumbersome than a standard filling. Of course, you can also talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry if you need a little extra help relaxing in the treatment chair.
Hopefully these root canal facts help ease any concerns you have heading into your appointment. If you want to learn more about what to expect from this treatment, you can always talk to your dentist!
About the Practice
Our team at Flenniken Family Dentistry goes above and beyond to provide you with the personalized, comfortable, and pain-free dental care you deserve. If you need a root canal, but you’re struggling with nerves or anxiety, then you’ll be happy to hear that we also offer sedation dentistry. That way, you don’t have to deal with any unnecessary stress before your visit. If you want to fact-check something you’ve heard about root canal therapy or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (717) 249-7777.
