Many people experience anxiety around dental appointments, especially if they require a more invasive treatment like a root canal. If you’re worried your procedure will be long and agonizing, you might avoid it altogether.
Unfortunately, dental problems don’t typically resolve themselves and tend to progressively worsen over time. That means your tooth isn’t going to get better by itself, and its condition could deteriorate and contribute to other health concerns. If your dentist recommended this service, continue reading to learn why you should undergo a root canal sooner rather than later!
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Have you noticed a sharp sensation when biting down, or have you developed a persistent toothache that won’t subside? If you’ve sustained any injuries, like chips or cracks, or developed tooth decay, germs in your mouth are more likely to penetrate the tender pulp inside. This triggers the sensitive nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues housed there, often resulting in symptoms like throbbing, swelling, and infection.
Because your pearly white won’t mend on its own, you need your dentist’s help to alleviate the ache and address the underlying concern.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Many people have an outdated idea of what’s involved in a root canal. Although it might have been a more arduous procedure in the past, today your provider has access to state-of-the-art technology and updated techniques to provide a much more comfortable experience.
First, they’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain. Then, they’ll create a small opening in your enamel to remove the damaged and infected materials to alleviate the pressure buildup causing your ache. Next, they’ll disinfect the tooth before sealing it closed to prevent any additional damage.
Finally, your dentist will likely want to provide a dental crown to restore your injured chomper’s appearance and allow you to continue using it normally.
What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Delaying your root canal procedure could harm your oral and overall health in a few different ways. Firstly, the infection can spread to your jawbone and into neighboring teeth and connective tissues. This can erode the materials providing a firm foundation to house your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Not only that, but the disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body, and contribute to more serious issues, like heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Root canals today are an incredibly common procedure, and your dentist will do everything they can to keep you comfortable, so there’s nothing to fear!
Meet the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti has nearly 20 years of experience helping people enhance their quality of life by improving their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California and is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. Whether you require basic preventive services or a more complex procedure like a root canal, his luxurious office is equipped with modern technology for comfortable services and accurate treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (718) 806-1662.