04
Sep
Local Meridian Dentist Answers Common Questions People Have Who Fear A Prescribed Root Canal
Root canals can evoke various feelings when mentioned as a necessary treatment step. For many who have had a root canal in the past, they likely view it as no big deal. However, if you have never undergone a root canal in Meridian, Idaho, you may feel anxious or fearful about the procedure. You’ve likely heard horror stories of how bad a root canal hurts or how it can be harmful to your health. Drs. Kevin Pulsipher, Tysen Wood, and the team at Mint Dental are here to help alleviate these fears. A root canal hurts no more than a common filling and will benefit your health. Why is this? Read on to learn more about root canal treatment.
Can my infected root canal be reversed naturally without treatment?
An infected root canal cannot be reversed naturally without treatment. Once the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected due to decay, injury, or cracks, it leads to inflammation and infection, often resulting in severe pain and discomfort. The infection can spread to the surrounding bone and other tissues, leading to more severe complications. Home remedies or natural treatments cannot eliminate the bacteria or repair the damaged pulp inside the tooth. The only effective way to treat an infected root canal is through professional dental intervention, such as root canal therapy, which removes the infected pulp, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent further infection.
Are root canals as painful as I’ve heard?
Although root canals are notoriously painful procedures, advances in anesthesia and dental technology have rendered the process painless. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, ensuring the patient feels minimal discomfort. Most patients report that the sensation during a root canal is similar to that of getting a filling. After the procedure, some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur, but it can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The pain associated with the infection and abscess is often much more severe than the discomfort experienced during or after the root canal procedure.
Is a tooth extraction a good idea to avoid a root canal?
Opting for a tooth extraction to avoid a root canal is not always the best choice. A root canal aims to save the natural tooth by removing the infected pulp and preserving the tooth structure, essential for maintaining proper chewing function and alignment of the surrounding teeth. Extraction, on the other hand, removes the tooth entirely, leading to potential issues such as shifting teeth, bone loss, and changes in bite alignment. While extraction might be necessary when the tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, it is generally preferable to save the natural tooth when possible. Replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or denture to restore function and appearance can be more costly and time consuming than a root canal.
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What are the long-term health effects of not getting a needed root canal?
Failing to undergo a necessary root canal can result in various long-term health effects, such as:Â
- Spread of Infection: An untreated infection can spread to the surrounding bone, gums, and other teeth, leading to more extensive dental issues and potentially severe health problems such as abscesses and systemic infections.Â
- Tooth and Bone Loss: Without treatment, the infected tooth and supporting bone structure will eventually become too damaged to save, leading to tooth loss and the need for extraction.Â
- Systemic Health Issues: Chronic dental infections have been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Addressing dental infections promptly is crucial for overall health and well-being.
How can I learn more about root canals?
If you are in the Meridian, ID, area and want to learn more about root canals, please call Mint Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pulsipher or Dr. Tysen Wood. Our office can be reached at (208) 900-4669.