Dental Care 101: 4 Reasons to Opt for Root Canal Treatment

Dental procedures have long been considered a hassle at best and outright terrifying at worst. Root canals have an especially bad reputation in pop culture, with many considering it to be the worst possible treatment they could possibly go through.
 
The truth is that root canal treatments are very rarely painful, and millions of people go through the procedure every year. Root canal therapy is one of the best ways to stop the pain caused by an infected tooth.
 
How Root Canals Work
 
Tooth pulp is a highly sensitive material located in the centre of every tooth. When decay progresses to the point of infection, patients are presented with two options: tooth extraction or a root canal. Removing a permanent tooth can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of the jaw. Root canal therapy saves you from any future complications related to tooth extraction.
 
During a root canal treatment, decay is removed from the pulp, and all canals are disinfected. All spaces within the tooth are filled in and sealed against infection, and the dentist ensures full functionality at the end of the treatment.
 
Read on for four reasons why you should choose root canal treatment when your dentist recommends it:
 
Stop the Pain
​
The pulp in your tooth is connected to very sensitive nerves and blood vessels, so infection that penetrates to the center of the tooth is incredibly painful. Undergoing root canal treatment is what will stop that pain.
 
Root canal therapy has a terrible reputation as one of the most painful dental treatments that you can go through, but in fact, the procedure is almost always pain-free. Every step of the root canal treatment process involves local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort.
 
Prevent Future Infections 
When tooth decay has progressed to the point of infecting the soft interior, the only way to treat it is to go through root canal therapy. All of the pulp is removed, and the canals are thoroughly disinfected to stop further bacterial growth. The tooth is then sealed and repaired to prevent further decay.
 
Complete removal of the tooth pulp, disinfection of the canals, and sealing the tooth all ensure that any bacteria in the mouth will no longer affect the tooth. You don’t have to worry about any part of the tooth being vulnerable to further infection.
 
Keep Your Tooth 
Nearly all dentists will tell you that it’s important to save your natural teeth. The gap left by one tooth can cause significant damage to neighbouring teeth and the overall structure of your jaw. Root canal treatment preserves your natural teeth and ensures that all your teeth have the support they need to function correctly.
 
After a root canal procedure, a crown is placed on top of your tooth to ensure full functionality and a natural look. No one will be able to tell the difference!
 
Cost-Effective 
Root canal therapy is a complex process that requires multiple appointments from diagnosis to crown placement, and some people fear that it is prohibitively expensive. The truth is that root canal therapy is the most cost-effective solution for an infected tooth. This treatment addresses the root of the problem and outright removes the infection from inside the tooth.
 
Once you go through root canal therapy, you will have nothing else to be worried about. In contrast, a tooth extraction will usually be followed by dental implants that degrade over time and may cause complications in the future.
 
Conclusion
 
Many people are afraid of root canal treatments, but in fact, there are many benefits if you opt for this therapy the moment your dentist suggests it. Root canal protects you from further infections and pain, and it’s a worthy investment if decay in your tooth has progressed to the pulp. An experienced dentist will make sure that every step of the procedure is painless and comfortable.
 
If you are looking for 24-hour emergency root canal services in Edmonton and across Canada, 24/7 Emergency Dental Clinic is the best resource for you. Our staff is equipped to provide treatment for most general dental emergencies. Book an appointment with us, and a local clinic will confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

---