3 Questions About Root Canals

Tooth pain is a serious concern that can affect the quality of your day-to-day life. The pain almost certainly stems from tooth infection and swelling, which can result from a number of causes: bacteria filtering through cracks in the tooth, deep cavities, or flawed fillings. In the infection is severe enough, a root canal may be necessary. A root canal, also called an endodontic treatment, is a restorative treatment dentists use to remove dead or infected nerves from infected teeth.

However, many people associate the procedure with feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. While it’s natural to feel upset at the thought of a root canal, many of these feelings are the result of myths and misconceptions about the procedure. By asking the right questions and learning the truth, you will feel more comfortable when you go in for a root canal treatment. Here are four commonly asked questions, and their reassuring answers:

 

Question #1: Are Root Canals Painful?

The answer: No.

Thanks to modern anesthesia, you will not feel a thing during the procedure. Prior to the procedure, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic, which will numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Remember, a root canal is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Any pain you felt in your teeth before the root canal treatment is much worse compared to the (at most) mild discomfort you may feel during procedure.

Question #2: Is It Better to Remove the Tooth Instead?

The answer: No.

Your teeth are one of the most vital components of your body. Therefore, it is important to preserve them and save them whenever possible, which is the principle behind a root canal. On top of that, artificial teeth come with restrictions and limitations on which kinds of foods and beverages you can consume. If that is not enough to convince you, consider this: a proper tooth extraction is often more expensive than a root canal.

Question #3: Can Root Canals Cause Disease?

The answer: No.

In recent years, information has floated around the Internet claiming that root canals cause various diseases. If you dig deep enough, you will discover that this information is based off studies and data that are nearly a century old. The research has been debunked by various studies throughout the years. At one point, the Journal of the American Dental Association reviewed the studies and found it poorly-designed. Thus, it is safe to dismiss the notion that root canals cause diseases.

 

Are you wondering if it is time for a root canal? Are you ready to relieve your tooth pain? Contact Greenspoint Dental at our Houston office today.