You probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many patients are reluctant to have root canal therapy done. What you may not know, however, is that a vast majority of those that do undergo the treatment don’t regret it! According to a University of Gothenburg thesis, 87 percent of root canal patients would choose to have the same treatment again if they needed to. Will you be just as satisfied if you ever need a root canal? Here are 3 reasons why you can be confident you won’t regret it.
1. It’s Much Better Than the Alternative
Root canal therapy is performed whenever the pulp inside the tooth has become infected. Leaving infected pulp alone is never a good choice. Over time, the infection will become more and more severe, and harmful bacteria will start to spread to other parts of your mouth. In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to a dental abscess, a pus-filled sac that requires swift medical attention.
By having root canal therapy done as soon as possible, you can stop the infection from spreading and avoid further health issues. Your risk becomes greater the longer you delay your treatment, so if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, it’s in your entire body’s best interest to have it done as soon as possible.
2. It’s Not Nearly as Painful as You Think
Many people think that root canal therapy is a highly painful and frightening procedure, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your mouth will be numbed for the procedure, so you won’t feel any discomfort while you’re being treated. In fact, many patients say it’s no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You may experience soreness after the numbness wears off, but it’s typically mild and only lasts a few days.
If anything, root canal therapy actually helps put a stop to pain. Severe toothaches are a common symptom of infected dental pulp, but once said pulp has been removed, the discomfort will also go away. In short, if it’s pain that you’re worried about, having root canal therapy done is your best option.
3. It Lets You Save Your Tooth
If a dental infection isn’t treated in time, the only remaining option is usually to remove the tooth altogether. While it can be replaced with a bridge or dental implant, your mouth will function better if you have all of your natural teeth. Root canal therapy will let you preserve your smile and allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life in the long run.
Root canal therapy may have a bad reputation, but if your dentist says that it’s the best choice for your oral health, you can rest assured that you can ultimately expect to be happy with the results. Feel free to call your dental practice if you have any more questions about this smile-saving procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla has nearly two full decades of experience in the dental field. He is a proud member of the Texas Dental Association, and at Saginaw Dental he offers a full menu of quality dental treatments, including root canal therapy for severe tooth infections. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Renkuntla, visit his website or call (817) 989-2832.