A root canal treatment is not something that a lot of people look forward to. In fact, it’s not uncommon for patients to look for excuses to delay it, and others may choose to simply not have it performed at all. But if you want to maintain a healthy smile, then you can’t afford to put off the procedure any longer than necessary. Have you been told that you need a root canal treatment? Here’s why you should schedule it as soon as you can.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
During your root canal treatment, your endodontist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then an opening will be created in the tooth, allowing your endodontist to take out the pulp. The inside of the tooth will be sterilized to get rid of any lingering bacteria before being refilled. Once the root canal treatment is complete, a dental crown is often placed to keep the tooth safe.
What are the Consequences of Avoiding Root Canal Treatment?
If a root canal treatment is being recommended in your case, it’s likely because the pulp inside the tooth in question has become infected. This is not the kind of problem that will simply take care of itself if you wait long enough; the infection will only grow more severe over time, which can result in the following issues:
- You’ll suffer from a severe, persistent toothache.
- The infection may eventually spread to other parts of the body.
- The tooth may be damaged beyond repair, leaving you with no choice but to have it removed.
Why Should You Have a Root Canal Treatment Performed Quickly?
The sooner you have a root canal treatment performed, the sooner you can have the underlying cause of your dental pain removed, allowing you to enjoy lasting relief. Furthermore, you’ll be more likely to be able to keep your natural tooth if the procedure is carried out before too much damage has been done.
It should be noted that root canal treatment is nowhere near as painful as many patients believe, thanks to the local anesthetic. Furthermore, the procedure is considered very safe, and it has a high rate of success. As such, there’s no reason to be afraid of undergoing root canal treatment. And if you’re still anxious, you can always ask about having some form of sedation dentistry administered.
In summary, delaying root canal treatment is never a good idea; your smile will be much better off in the long run if you choose to have the procedure performed right away.
About the Author
Dr. Tam Trinh is an endodontist in Deerfield who appreciates the way that his work can change his patients’ lives for the better. He completed his endodontic residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he belongs to the American Association of Endodontists. He’s an expert in using root canal treatment to put a stop to the pain caused by infected teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Trinh at MeTa Endodontics, visit his website or call (847) 920-6382.