Essential Insights: 11 Crucial Facts About Root Canals
Many of our patients in Irvine experience a panic attack when they hear the term “root canal.” Regrettably, false information on the internet has damaged the reputation of this straightforward yet essential dental operation. In actuality, there’s no cause for concern regarding a root canal!
An amazing therapeutic option that successfully fights infection without requiring the extraction of a tooth is a root canal. In essence, a root canal relieves your pain, halts the infection’s spread, and preserves your tooth. The procedure also causes no pain at all.
If you’re seeking a licensed clinic for oral surgery in Irvine, make a visit to our Irvine Spectrum Dental Clinic, where we provide top-notch dental healthcare services.
In an effort to allay your anxiety regarding your impending root canal treatment, we have put together this list of significant (and comforting) information.
Root canals relieve pain, they don’t induce It
Unfortunately, many people associate root procedures with excruciating agony. But it is just not the case. Your agony and suffering truly come to an end with a root canal procedure.
If you require a root canal, it’s because your tooth has an extremely painful and dangerous infection. The only thing that can ease your agony is to remove the diseased pulp. Ignoring an infected tooth is significantly more painful than getting a root canal.
You should not experience any discomfort throughout your root canal treatment because of contemporary dentistry methods. You won’t even notice the procedure because your endodontist at Irvine Spectrum Dental will numb the problematic area with a local anesthetic.
Opting for a root canal procedure can preserve your tooth
Treating the infection and saving your tooth are the two main objectives of a root canal. It is always better to have a root canal rather than have a tooth extracted because there is no real substitute for a natural tooth. A tooth extraction is only something your dentist will suggest as a last option.
A tooth that has had a root canal will last for the remainder of your life if you take good care of it. It will resemble your other teeth in both appearance and functionality.
Root canals are completely safe dental procedure
Root canal therapy is a fairly popular and secure technique. Despite their frightening name, they are actually very simple and non-intrusive. Numerous root canals are performed by our dentist at Irvine Spectrum Dental each month.
Suffering from a toothache doesn’t necessarily equate to needing a root canal
Toothaches hurt and are frequently a little frightening! It makes sense to imagine the worst case situation. But a toothache does not always indicate that you require tooth extraction or root canal.
A cavity, a fractured tooth, gum disease, or even sinus pressure could be the source of your pain. Therefore, as soon as you start feeling pain in one of your teeth, you should get in touch with your dentist. Pain is a sign of trouble that has to be addressed right away.
A root canal may be necessary even without tooth pain
A pulp infection in your tooth does not go away on its own; a root canal is the only treatment available. As a result, just because a toothache is getting better doesn’t mean that the problem is fixed. In actuality, it means that the infection has gotten worse and destroyed the nerves in the tooth’s root.
The pain usually disappears when a tooth’s root dies. If so, in order to prevent the infection from spreading, you will require a root canal as soon as possible.
Antibiotics don’t provide a cure for tooth infections
An infection inside the tooth cannot be treated with antibiotics. This is due to the fact that antibiotics cannot successfully enter the bloodstream and reach the pulp of the tooth. A root canal is the sole method of eliminating the infection.
Opting for a root canal halts the spread of infection
If left untreated, infected root canals can lead to major issues. The chance that you will need to have a tooth extracted increases with the length of time the illness persists.
If the infection is not treated, it may spread to your bloodstream, jaw bone, adjacent teeth, and gums. Additionally, the bacteria have the ability to create dental abscesses, which are extremely deadly pockets of infection. Abscesses can cause severe discomfort and damage to the jawbone and gums.
It is imperative to receive a root canal as soon as possible in order to stop the infection from spreading and getting worse.
A root canal safeguards the adjacent teeth
By shielding the neighboring teeth, root canal therapy maintains the structure and aesthetics of your oral cavity.
Infections can spread to neighboring teeth and gums if you choose not to get a root canal and take no action. It is possible that you will require more than one tooth extraction in lieu of a root canal. It is more intrusive and requires a longer recovery period to remove numerous teeth.
On the other hand, future problems with oral health may result from choosing to have the infected tooth extracted rather than treated with a root canal. Loss of teeth can lead to loosening and shifting of the neighboring teeth. This may result in more tooth loss and make it more difficult to eat and speak.
Your tooth will need a crown afterwards
A permanent filling or crown is applied following your root canal operation to restore the tooth’s appearance and functionality. The crown or filling strengthens the tooth and shields its internal structure and layers. It also aids in preventing illness or deterioration from returning.
A healing period follows your root canal procedure
The process of a root canal is simple and painless. However, there is still a healing phase that may require several weeks to complete. It’s common to have some stiffness, discomfort, and sensitivity during this period. However, you should get in touch with your dentist at Bloor West Smiles if you have intense pressure or pain that lasts longer than a few days.
It is imperative that you adhere to your dentist’s root canal aftercare instructions. This is essential for a quick and complete recovery.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential
Your oral health has been restored and your tooth has been spared from extraction thanks to a root canal. It is now your responsibility to maintain oral health. You may avoid cavities, decay, and infections in the future by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and scheduling routine examinations to the Irvine dentist. Recall that maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial both before and after your root canal.