Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being a particularly painful dental procedure. Not only is this not true, but it also obscures the fact that having a root canal treatment performed is ultimately a good thing for patients with infected teeth. Below is a closer look at 4 of the reasons why root canal treatment is worthwhile in the long run.
1. Root Canal Treatment Helps Put a Stop to Tooth Pain
If your tooth is infected, you are likely experiencing a significant amount of pain. This is due to harmful bacteria attacking the pulp containing the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. However, with a root canal treatment, your dentist can remove your infected pulp, thus getting rid of the source of your discomfort. It won’t be long before you’ll be able to enjoy relief from the pain that has been bothering you.
2. Root Canal Treatment Eliminates the Need for a Tooth Extraction
An untreated tooth infection will only grow worse over time. Eventually, it could reach the point where the tooth is no longer viable, leaving extraction as the only option. Luckily, a timely root canal treatment can help you avoid this outcome! Getting rid of the infection before too much damage has been done can ultimately allow you to save your tooth. As a result, you’ll be able to keep more of your natural smile intact, which is good news for your overall oral health.
3. Root Canal Treatment Makes Tooth Replacement Unnecessary
There are multiple ways to replace an extracted tooth, such as with a dental bridge or a dental implant. However, while such treatments can help you reclaim a complete smile, they also come with their own costs. That means you need to fit the price of a tooth replacement into your budget in addition to what you already paid for the extraction itself. But with root canal treatment, you can keep your natural tooth and therefore don’t have to worry about paying to replace it.
4. Root Canal Treatment Lets You Return to Your Regular Routine Quickly
The recovery process after a root canal treatment is shorter than many people realize. Oftentimes, you will be able to return to work in a day or two, and your post-treatment discomfort should fade within a week. In other words, once your root canal treatment is complete, it won’t be too long before you’re able to resume your normal activities.
If you’re told that you need root canal treatment, there’s no reason to put it off. On the contrary, having it performed as soon as possible is typically the best option for protecting your oral health and your overall quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Zhang went to the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dentistry for his dental degree. He has extensive training in rotary endodontics and other advanced procedures. At Zhang Dental Group of Tustin, he protects his patients’ smiles with comfortable, effective root canal treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Zhang, visit his website or call (714) 465-5589.