If you are afraid to go to your dentist for a root canal procedure, you are not alone. A recent study revealed that 59 percent of people are more scared of root canals than public speaking, spiders, and closed spaces. In fact, 57 percent of people would happily spend an hour in a room with ten spiders than get a root canal.
Root Canals
Root canals are dental procedures that save distressed or heavily damaged teeth. Some of the most common conditions requiring root canals include deep dental decay, tooth abscess reaching the dental pulp and dental fracture.
To salvage your teeth, dental professionals will carefully remove only the damaged tissue from your teeth while keeping the rest of the teeth intact. After this, they will disinfect and fill the tooth.
Root Canal Reality
Root canals work to save your teeth and not bring you pain. In fact, dentists are willing to spend hours cleaning and reconstructing your infected teeth. There is discomfort before the procedure because your teeth are severely damaged. However, you may not feel the pain during the treatment because of the anesthetic or sedative administered. Meanwhile, you may feel discomfort after the procedure because your body is naturally healing.
Benefits of a Root Canal
Root canal treatments can prolong the function of your teeth, especially if the only other alternative is removing them completely. Extracting your damaged tooth may be a quicker and simpler solution to your dental issue. However, losing a tooth will make your remaining teeth work harder, resulting in dental damage from biting and chewing too hard. At the end of the day, a root canal is a better option. It will preserve the damaged tooth and allow it to function normally, preventing further dental damage.
Conclusion
As cliché as it may sound, prevention is better than cure when it comes to dental care. Practicing proper oral hygiene, not using your teeth as tools, eating a balanced diet, and using dental protection devices can save you from the pain and stress of tooth decay, abscess, and fracture.
However, if you need a root canal, we urge you to go and get it. If you are scared or hesitant, speak with our dentist. Dr. Mihirgir Bava is happy to explain what will happen, and you can work on a treatment plan that will make you more comfortable and less anxious. If you need dental help for your tooth pain in Raleigh, NC, please call 919-872-1700 today to schedule your visit and get the relief you need.