When you hear the term “root canal,” you may immediately imagine a cartoonishly sadistic dentist grinning over a terrified patient. While this characterization has been well used for comedic effect, it is not representative of reality. The truth is that local anesthetics render root canal treatments completely painless and they can prevent dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia. Here’s why root canals are almost always better than tooth extractions.
Why Are Root Canals Necessary?
In many cases, toothaches are caused by advanced decay that has breached the tooth’s outer layers of enamel and dentin and infected the pulp at the center. When this tissue becomes infected, the nerve endings within send distress signals to the brain, resulting in pain. These infections will not get better on their own and will lead to tooth loss and further infections if allowed to progress. Root canals eliminate this infected tissue and restore the rest of the tooth so that it can continue to function comfortably and normally.
How Do Root Canals Work?
After your dentist has determined that a root canal is the best course of treatment, they will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic before accessing its inner chamber. There, they will remove the infected pulp before sanitizing, filling, and sealing the interior to protect it from future infections. Your dentist may then place a crown on the tooth to restore its original appearance and function. After receiving a root canal, you may experience some temporary soreness that will fade in a few days, and this passing discomfort is far more pleasant than living with an ongoing toothache.
Why Are Root Canals Better Than Extractions?
One of your dentist’s priorities is preventing tooth loss. While pulling a severely infected tooth will end the infection, it can create more problems that need to be addressed. The loss of a tooth makes it easier for other teeth to be injured by unevenly redistributing the pressure of chewing and allowing the other teeth to drift out of alignment. Dentists recommend replacing lost teeth as soon as possible, and restorations like bridges, dentures, or dental implants can be much more expensive than root canals.
Root canals exist to end toothaches and prevent tooth loss. If your dentist recommends getting one, you can rest assured that doing so is in your best interest.
About the Practice
Family Dental Center of East Texas offers convenient, comprehensive, and high-quality dental care to the community of Center, TX. Led by Drs. Youngblood and Martinez, the staff ensures that each patient has a positive experience that tends to their needs and helps them smile beautifully. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry such as root canals. To learn more about what root canals may be able to do for you, contact the office online or dial (936) 427-9070.