December 30, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — pelicanlandingteam @ 7:16 pm
a model of the inside of a tooth

With approximately 41,000 root canals being performed each day, this treatment has over a 95% success rate. Unfortunately, due to an abundance of myths and misinformation revolving around the procedure, it’s also one of the most feared dental treatments. To help you overcome your root canal-related fears, read on to learn what a root canal is, signs that you may need one, and five benefits of undergoing the procedure.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canals are needed when a tooth has become infected due to factors like injury or severe decay. This process quickly and effectively removes the damaged tooth pulp to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth and to ease any pain you may be experiencing. If you don’t have the tooth treated, this may lead to tooth loss and can even threaten your overall wellbeing.

How to Know You Need a Root Canal

There are several signs that you might need to get a root canal, including:

  • Prolonged pain or sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold foods or beverages
  • A chipped or cracked tooth leading to inflammation or infection
  • Severe pain when applying pressure to the tooth
  • Gum or tooth discoloration
  • An abscess in the jawbone
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Bumps on the gums

Benefit #1: Saving the Natural Tooth

Now that you know more about what a root canal is and the situations that may call for one, how can it benefit you? Saving the natural tooth allows you to save money by avoiding having it pulled and paying for a replacement. This will also allow you to maintain your natural bite and to continue eating your favorite foods once the healing process has been completed.

Benefit #2: Virtually Pain-Free Procedure

Root canal treatment is virtually painless. Additionally, it often leaves you with less discomfort during recovery than if you had the tooth extracted instead. With the use of modern dental techniques and anesthesia, those who receive root canals are six times more likely to describe it as painless than those who have a tooth extracted.

Benefit #3: Efficient & Cost-Effective

Not only can tooth extractions take longer than root canal treatment, but they may also come at a higher cost. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of root canal therapy, so you can receive the treatment you need without having to worry about how you’ll pay for it.

Benefit #4: Visually Appealing Result

Once a root canal is complete, it will either be sealed off with a dental filling or a crown. Composite tooth-colored fillings and crowns both blend in seamlessly with your smile, so the untrained eye won’t even be able to tell that the tooth is different than your others.

As you can see, root canals are nothing to fear. They can help you save time, money, and pain on having the tooth extracted. With proper care, a root canal can even keep your smile looking healthy and complete for a lifetime!

About the Author

If you need a root canal to save a severely damaged tooth, look no further than the talented oral health professionals at Pelican Landing Dental. They can administer root canal therapy to heal the tooth, ease your pain, and allow you to maintain your natural bite. Call Pelican Landing Dental’s office at (239) 948-2111 or visit their website to set up an appointment with their talented team or for more information on the many benefits of root canals.

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