If your dentist has recommended that you get a root canal, you might think this is too extreme. You may believe the tooth isn’t that damaged and this option is too severe. In other cases, you may not want to go through with the procedure, and instead opt for a tooth extraction. While root canals often get a bad rap, they can make a major difference in your long-term oral health. 

This oral health procedure is incredibly common, and has been performed since the early 1800s. However, as common as this procedure is, many patients may feel incredibly nervous about scheduling root canals. Thankfully, with the support of an expert dental team, you can trust that you’re making the best choice for your smile.

If your dentist has recently recommended you get a root canal, keep reading to learn more about why this is the best option for protecting your smile. 

What Is a Root Canal and When Is It Necessary?

Root canals are advanced endodontic procedures that are performed when an individual is dealing with infected or damaged tissue within the tooth. When this occurs, your dentist will remove the tissue from within the tooth. From this point, the canals of your tooth are disinfected and are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed with a special cement. 

There are a few reasons why dentists recommend root canals, including: 

• Deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeat dental procedures that let bacteria reach the inner nerves of your dental pulp. 
• You are experiencing extreme pain, including throbbing tooth aches and sensitivity to hot and cold foods, as a result of severe damage to the nerve tissue.
• The infection within the tooth is so severe that failing to treat it will result in the infection traveling to the jawbone, causing an abscess, or tooth loss. 

It is important to understand that your dentist does not make this recommendation lightly. If you are dealing with extreme tooth decay, choosing to opt for less invasive dental treatments or declining treatment entirely can compromise your oral health and your long-term well-being. 

Common Myths About Root Canals and the Truth Behind Them

One reason why so many dental patients choose to put off their recommended root canals is due to the myths they’ve heard from other people. Understanding what is truth and what is myth can help you go into this appointment feeling more confident. Some of the most common myths include: 

Myth #1: Root canals are Incredibly Painful

While root canals may have, once, been an uncomfortable experience, modern advancements in local anesthesia and advanced dental techniques mean this procedure is no more uncomfortable than if you were getting a filling. 

Myth #2: If Your Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, You Don’t Need a Root Canal

If your tooth is dead or the nerve is dying, infection can spread beneath the surface without you feeling anything. Your X-rays will confirm that you need a root canal to protect yourself from more significant infections and lasting damage. 

Myth #3: It is Best to Just Pull the Damaged Tooth

It is always in your best interest to save your natural tooth if that option is available. Extraction can lead to tooth shifting, lead to the loss of jawbone tissue, and require costly prosthetic replacements like bridges or implants. 

How Root Canal Treatment Relieves Pain and Saves Your Natural Tooth

When you are dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth, root canals can make a major difference in protecting your smile and comfort in the long-term. Rather than removing the entire tooth, this procedure allows your dental team to eliminate the infection while preserving your natural tooth structure. 

Root canals can also help relieve the intense pain and sensitivity caused by infected dental pulp, allowing you to return to your normal routine without discomfort. There are several benefits to choosing this treatment, including:

• Relieving tooth pain: Removing infected pulp eliminates the source of pain and helps prevent further complications.
• Preventing tooth loss: Saving your natural tooth allows you to maintain your normal bite and chewing function.
• Protecting surrounding teeth: Treating the infection helps prevent bacteria from spreading to nearby tissues.
• Preserving your smile: Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your smile’s appearance and alignment.

With proper treatment and a protective dental crown when needed, your natural tooth can continue functioning for many years.

What to Expect During and After a Root Canal Procedure

It isn’t uncommon for dental patients to experience heightened anxiety before root canals. However, you can alleviate a lot of this anxiety by understanding what will happen during and after your root canal. If you are going into your first root canal, this is what you can expect:

During Your Root Canal:

• The affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and your dental team will isolate the tooth using a small protective sheet to keep it dry and clean.
• From here, your dentist will carefully create an opening in the crown of the tooth and use tiny tools to remove infected pulp and disinfect the inside of the canals. 
• Once the tooth is emptied and cleaned, the canals are filled with gutter-percha and closed with a temporary filling. 

After Your Root Canal: 

• Immediately following the procedure, you may feel numb for a few hours. Let this wear off before attempting to eat or drink anything to avoid biting your tongue or cheek. 
• Stick to a soft foot diet for a few days after the procedure, and avoid chewing on the treated side while you recover.
• It isn’t uncommon to experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity in the days immediately following your procedure. 
• You will need to return to your dentist for permanent crown placement that will protect your tooth and restore your bite. 

Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Is Better Than Extraction

It isn’t uncommon for some dental patients to consider scheduling a tooth extraction instead of getting a root canal. However, it is always in your best interest to save your natural tooth whenever possible. There are so many reasons why it’s best to save your tooth whenever possible, including: 

• Preserving your normal biting force and optimal chewing.
• Preventing neighboring teeth from shifting or drifting.
• Stimulating your bone to prevent long-term bone loss. 
• Maintaining the structure and appearance of your face. 
• Lowering the long-term costs of restorative care. 

While it is tempting, it is always best to do everything in your power to protect your natural teeth. Even just one lost tooth can significantly impact your oral health, so restorative services like root canals are always best.

Let Mountain View Dental Protect Your Smile By Scheduling a Root Canal

While root canals can be incredibly daunting, they are an essential part of protecting yourself against more extreme oral health complications. At Mountain View Dental, our team understands just how crucial it is to work with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a reliable team in the North Ogden area, turn to our team today for support. With our team on your side, you can confidently go into this dental procedure feeling more confident that you’re making the best decision for your long-term oral health and comfort. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to discuss whether root canals are right for you, contact us today.