Does the idea of your emergency dentist telling you that you need root canal therapy make you feel anxious? If so, you’re far from alone. According to the American Association of Endodontists, around 59% of people are afraid of getting a root canal. However, the more you learn about the procedure, the more you’ll discover that there’s nothing to fear about it. Here are 5 facts about root canal therapy that can help give you some peace of mind before your treatment.
1. Root Canal Therapy Can Put a Stop to Your Tooth Pain
The pulp inside your tooth is filled with nerves and blood vessels. Consequently, if the pulp becomes infected, you’re likely to experience considerable pain. With root canal therapy, your dentist can get rid of the infected pulp along with any harmful bacteria, thus allowing you to enjoy lasting relief.
2. Root Canal Therapy Does Not Cause Pain
Many people believe root canal therapy to be a highly painful procedure, but this isn’t actually true. Your dentist will begin the process by applying a local anesthetic, so the area will be numb while your tooth is being treated. As a result, many patients find root canal therapy to be no more uncomfortable than getting a filling for a cavity.
3. Root Canal Therapy is Often Your Best Option for Saving Your Tooth
The longer an infection in your tooth is left untreated, the more harm it does. Eventually, your tooth could become so badly damaged that your dentist is forced to remove it to protect the rest of your smile. But if the infection is removed via root canal therapy, you can protect your tooth and keep your natural smile fully intact.
4. Root Canal Therapy is More Reliable Than Antibiotics for Treating Tooth Infections
When you’re told that your tooth pain is caused by an infection, you might think antibiotics are a viable option. However, while antibiotics might put a temporary stop to your pain, they only mask the problem. Root canal therapy is much more effective for addressing tooth infections because the underlying cause of the issue is removed entirely.
5. Root Canal Therapy Does Not Lead to Illness
There is an old myth that root canal therapy can cause illness, but there is no evidence that this is the case. The claim comes from outdated research that was debunked a long time ago. As it stands, root canal therapy is considered a very safe procedure.
By talking to your dentist and getting the facts about root canal therapy, you can put your fears to rest so that they won’t get in the way of saving your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen has completed advanced training in restorative dentistry at a number of prestigious institutes including The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and The Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study. At Julington Creek Family Dentistry in St. Johns, he offers same-day appointments for patients suffering from severe tooth pain. If you have a question about root canal therapy, you can get in touch with Dr. Cohen via his website or by calling (904) 230-2961.