Many people become nervous and anxious when they are told they need a root canal. Unfortunately, this important and often necessary procedure has an undeserved reputation. In actuality, patients often report that having a root canal is similar to receiving a filling.
A root canal can save your tooth
If your dentist recommends a root canal, this is because your tooth would otherwise have to be removed. If a tooth has been severely damaged, severely decayed, or has suffered extensive trauma, a root canal is often the only way to prevent infection from spreading to your other teeth.
Without the root canal procedure, you would have to have the tooth completely removed. With a root canal, however, you can keep the tooth. It will no longer sense temperature or pressure, but it will be completely usable.
Root canals eliminates discomfort associated with a tooth infection
Although you might be worried about the root canal, after the procedure is completed and you have healed, any uncomfortable symptoms you might have been experiencing will be gone. If the infection inside your tooth was causing toothache, extreme sensitivity, or other discomforts, these will be eliminated by the root canal procedure. It will also prevent worse, more pervasive symptoms from developing.
If you’re concerned about your root canal, you can request dental sedation
If you’re particularly anxious about having a root canal procedure, ask your doctor about sedation. Sedation provided during your root canal procedure means you will experience no discomfort, and will feel as if you are in a dreamlike state during treatment. Many people who suffer from dental anxiety are greatly helped by the use of sedation.
Though it might seem intimidating, if your dentist recommends a root canal you can rest assured that you are doing the best thing for your teeth.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our team at Crosspointe Dental & Orthodontics today.
