There is nothing that strikes fear in the hearts of dental patients faster than hearing they might need root canal treatment! However, did you know that root canals are surrounded by several myths that simply aren't true?
Today, we're going to debunk the myths, dispel the fears, and finally set the record straight for root canal therapy in High Point.
The "Root" of the Problem (And Why the Solution Isn't Scary)
The truth is, root canals are often wrongly associated with pain; the root canal procedure is not the cause of it. If you're feeling pain and told that you need root canal treatment, your tooth is likely infected. This is caused by bacteria and decay that work their way deep into the pulp or root of your tooth, causing a painful infection that won't resolve without treatment.
A root canal is the treatment that eliminates your tooth infection, alleviates your pain, and preserves your natural tooth structure. Believe it or not, root canal treatment in High Point actually relieves your discomfort immediately because Dr. Bray will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic so you don't feel anything throughout your procedure.
What is Root Canal Therapy? (And Why Would I Need It?)
Here is another hard truth: A tooth infection is not going away without treatment.
Instead, without treatment, it will spread and cause damage to other critical parts of your body, such as neighboring teeth and even your brain. So, if you're feeling that painful, constant toothache that keeps you awake at night or away from your normal daily activities, don't delay calling your High Point dentist immediately for prompt treatment.
During root canal therapy, Dr. Bray gently removes the infected tissue that's inside your tooth, cleaning it out and ensuring it's infection-free before sealing it temporarily with a filling. You are completely numb during this process and won't feel anything.
Once your tooth is completely healed, you'll return to Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to have your tooth rebuilt with a crown or permanent filling. This ensures that you'll have all the chewing function you enjoyed before your tooth infection, since root canal treatment makes a natural tooth brittle.
Dispelling the Myths
Now, we'll talk about some of the myths that surround root canal treatment and what's really true.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Excruciatingly Painful
We've already discussed why this is untrue, but let's review it again.
The pain you're feeling is excruciating; however, it's being caused by a tooth infection. Root canal therapy is a treatment that relieves severe discomfort and saves your natural tooth from extraction.
The bottom line: Root canal treatment is not painful.
Myth #2: It’s Better Just to Pull the Tooth
Saving your natural teeth for as long as possible is always our goal. We only recommend tooth extraction as a last resort because you will need to replace your tooth to preserve bite alignment, save chewing function, and smile aesthetics.
Losing a tooth means you'll likely spend more money on tooth replacement and more time in the dental chair with multiple procedures.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness or Other Health Problems
Again, root canal treatment stops infection in its tracks and keeps it from spreading. The infection is what causes other health problems or damage to surrounding teeth.
Myth #4: The Benefits Are Temporary, and the Tooth Will Have to Be Extracted Later
When root canal treatment is performed correctly and a crown is used to strengthen your tooth, with routine dental checkups and excellent home care, your restored tooth can last for 10 to 15 years. What will likely need replacing in the future is the crown due to wear and tear from chewing food.
What to Expect After Your Root Canal
It is normal to experience some soreness for the first few days after root canal treatment; however, it should not be as severe as your previous toothache, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication, if needed. Dr. Bray may also prescribe an antibiotic to manage the dental infection.
We will send you home with comprehensive post-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Once your tooth is feeling better, he'll discuss your options for rebuilding it with a crown or filling. When your tooth is restored, you'll be able to eat, chew, smile, and laugh with ease again.
The Alternative to a Root Canal: What Are Your Options?
Unfortunately, the only alternative to a root canal is an extraction. Dr. Bray will recommend extracting an infected tooth that is unsalvageable if it's beyond what a root canal can accomplish. That is why it's essential that you seek treatment for your tooth before it reaches this point, so you have options.
We're Here for You When You Need Us Most
If you or a loved one is experiencing severe and constant dental pain, don't wait to contact our High Point dental office at (336) 883-1371 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bray.