If you need to restore your smile with the help of a root canal, you may be hesitant to commit to treatment due to rumors you’ve heard from friends or online. However, while you may be initially afraid to undergo this procedure, the truth is most of the negative things you’ve heard are likely untrue. Here’s a closer look at five facts about this tooth-saving treatment, and why if your dentist tells you it’s time for a root canal, there’s no need to be afraid!
You Don’t Need a Toothache to Need a Root Canal
Although you often hear about people needing a root canal following an excruciating toothache, the truth is you can often still benefit from this treatment even if your tooth is not experiencing any pain. Sometimes, you can start out with severe dental discomfort, only for it to go away on its own, but this may be due to the nerve inside the tooth dying, which means that the infection inside is in danger of spreading, and it’s more important than ever to get that root canal, stat!
They Protect More Than Just Your Infected Tooth
Root canals protect teeth that have become infected or damaged, allowing you to continue using them as intended without the need for extraction and replacement. However, they don’t just provide benefits to the treated tooth- they can also safeguard the rest of your smile by preventing the infection from spreading.
They’re Less Painful Than You Think
When many people think of a root canal, they think of the old Hollywood trope of the agonizing dental procedure and gauze tied around the face. The truth is, however, that your dentist will always numb your tooth before your procedure, so you not only won’t feel anything during treatment, but most people say their tooth feels much better immediately after the numbing wears off, too! For those who struggle to stay calm and comfortable in the dental chair, your dentist also offers sedation options so you can relax while your smile is restored!
Your dentist will also provide you with complete aftercare instructions, so you’ll know what to eat and what to do to mitigate pain in the days following your procedure. While you should feel much better once the infection has been cleared, you may still experience some soreness and discomfort for up to a week.
They Don’t Cause Cancer
You may have heard about or seen a recent documentary where the filmmaker claims their root canal caused cancer following treatment. The good news is that the medical and dental communities took this matter very seriously and conducted studies to determine the safety of this treatment. Ultimately, they found that root canals do not cause cancer, but they will protect your tooth from infection and even prevent it from spreading throughout your mouth and body.
They Have a High Success Rate
Although some root canals may fail, this is extremely rare. In fact, this procedure boasts a success rate upwards of 97 percent! However, in order to ensure your treatment has the best odds possible of protecting your tooth for a lifetime, you’ll need to do your part by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for your routine exams and cleanings.
Remember, although you may have heard scary rumors and untrue myths about the safety and efficacy of root canals in the past, the truth is this smile-saving treatment is often the best way to eliminate painful oral infections and prevent them from destroying your tooth and spreading throughout your body. So, if your dentist has recommended this promising procedure, don’t hesitate to say yes to restoring your gorgeous grin with a root canal!
About Our Practice
At Gale Ranch Family Dental, we are pleased to offer a wide range of oral health treatments, from preventive to emergency and everything in between. If you are suffering from a painful dental emergency, don’t wait for the pain to miraculously clear up on its own- call us today at 925-648-8881 for an urgent root canal and get safe, effective relief for your healthy smile!