When it comes to preserving your natural teeth, prevention is always better than treatment. However, when the nerve of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it starts to produce pain in that specific area. This pain often radiates, sometimes contributing to headaches and overall uneasiness. When a pain like this is present, the first thing recommended is to see a dental provider.
A root canal is a procedure that was created to remove the inflamed and infected nerve from the inside of a tooth. After the nerve is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. Not wanting to leave your tooth hollow, the dentist then fills up the tooth and seals it with a special rubbery material. Think of a led pencil, when you have a broken led you replace it with a new one. The process is then completed with the installation of a crown that allows the patient to safely chew and bite on the tooth without further complications. Most patients find this procedure a bit intimidating, so to ease the patient’s nerves, the entire procedure is performed with anesthesia. One of the most beneficial parts of this procedure is that it requires no additional down time. This specific treatment is the method dentists prefer when trying to avoid unnecessary tooth extractions. With the help of modern technologies and anesthesia, root canals have become a majority pain-free and a very common procedure.
ROOT CANAL VS. TOOTH EXTRACTION
Contrary to popular beliefs, most patients are unaware of the importance of saving their natural teeth. The idea of simply removing the infected tooth seems less frustrating, however, the additional procedures needed post the extraction of the infected teeth, labels a root canal as the more financially desired alternative. Nonetheless, there often comes a time when it is recommended for a patient to consider extracting a tooth, but with a root canal treatment, patients can preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible. Teeth preservation is not the only benefit of a root canal, cleaning out the infected nerve also alleviates pain and reduces inflammation. Antibiotics are also prescribed as the patient goes back to life as usual.
The main reason root canals are the procedure of choice when trying to treat an infection is that tooth loss often requires that a patient undergoes additional restorative procedures with the help of implants or bridges. If gone neglected, the absence of a tooth that was extracted may make it harder for a person to chew or speak clearly. A simple consultation with one of our dentists provides us an opportunity to better assess the situation. However, the goal will always be to preserve your natural teeth if possible before resorting to tooth extraction and other prosthetic options.
THE ROUND UP
Several major health issues in the body originate from dental issues, so it is important for patients to not delay getting a root canal treatment for an infected tooth. If you have an infected nerve, the quickest, most convenient, and mostly pain free option, that allows you to fix the problem permanently is to get a root canal. Before you decide against going through with a root canal treatment, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a more comprehensive recommendation. Chances are, if you have an infection in the nerve of your tooth, the most hassle-free way to alleviate your pain and save your natural tooth is to get a root canal performed as soon as possible. Thankfully, we have specialists ready and able to assist you with that.