Simply utter the words "root canal," and just about everyone in earshot will go into some degree of panic. This is actually extremely unfair.
The discomfort and pain associated with a root canal are exaggerated in popular culture to secure some cheap laughs. In reality, root canals are far less painful than they are portrayed on TV and in the movies. However, the discomfort the average person feels during or after a root canal procedure is minimal compared to what awaits if they don't get it!
Today, we're going to discuss why anyone in need of a root canal should waste as little time as possible in getting the procedure done.
What Is a Root Canal Procedure?
Despite their somewhat intimidating reputation, root canals are extremely straightforward and common dental procedures. In short, a root canal is a procedure in which an infected, injured, or decaying tooth's internal soft tissue is removed. This soft tissue, or ¨pulp,¨ is the actual living part of the tooth and consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
By removing the pulp from an infected or injured tooth, the Arvada dentist is able to stop further decay in the tooth, alleviate the patient's physical pain (which can be quite severe in these cases), and save a portion of the natural tooth.
In a root canal procedure, the dentist first cleans and numbs the tooth and surrounding gums in order to ensure that the patient feels no pain during the treatment. Then, using special instruments, the dentist removes the damaged pulp and cleans out the empty space remaining in the tooth. After this, the void in the tooth's center is filled with a material that creates a healthy environment for healthy tissue to grow back, and the opening is sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
For a week to ten days after a root canal procedure, the patient will take antibiotics and, if necessary, pain medication. After this period, and once the dentist has confirmed the success of the procedure, the patient and dentist will choose a long-term option for the tooth. This might consist of simply sealing off the opening with a filling material or, for a more natural-looking and feeling solution, placing a crown (commonly porcelain) on top of the remainder of the tooth.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get a Root Canal If You Need One
Again, and we really cannot stress this enough: whatever anxiety and moderate discomfort you feel during and immediately after a root canal procedure is barely a blip on the radar when compared to the pain and medical complications that accompany NOT getting one!
As with any serious medical condition, tooth decay does not simply "run its course" and go away on its own if ignored. In fact, ignoring warning signs from your teeth and gum is a surefire way to ensure that eventually setting things right will cost you far more, not only in terms of money but also time and physical pain. Here are a few specific reasons why you should never avoid getting a root canal procedure done:
#1 Your tooth could be badly infected, and that infection will spread.
Your tooth's outer layers are made of super-hard, super-durable hard enamel. However, the pulp (again, the actual living part of the tooth) that resides beneath the surface is nowhere near as durable. When this tissue gets infected, whether due to a cracked or broken tooth allowing in bacteria, a long-neglected cavity, or simply an infection from within, the tooth begins to degenerate and die. Left unaddressed, this could result in excruciating pain and the need for an emergency root canal to stop the pain and prevent the infection from not only further damaging that tooth but also from spreading to other healthy teeth.
#2 Root canals are actually designed to be pain-free for the patient.
We've said it before, but it really does bear repeating: despite their reputation, root canals are actually among the less painful dental procedures. A root canal's actual purpose is to relieve pain, not cause it. The most painful root canal you'll ever have is the one you do NOT get!
#3 The pain may actually go away, which means bigger problems.
Do you remember how we said above that "tooth decay does not simply 'run its course' and go away on its own?" This is absolutely true. However, sometimes the pain in a tooth that requires a root canal will, in fact, simply go away. Good news, right? Wrong!
If the discomfort in an infected tooth disappears, it's not because it has gotten better but rather because the nerves within the tooth have died. Unfortunately, that does not mean the infection is gone. In fact, without pain to signal to you that something is wrong, that infection can spread and cause not only additional dental issues, like pus-filled abscesses but overall health issues as serious as heart disease.
#4 A root canal can save your natural tooth.
Postpone a root canal for too long, and you'll likely have to say goodbye to your entire natural tooth. Even in the case of a serious infection, saving what you can of your natural tooth will help maintain your natural bite and is good for the health of your gums and other teeth.
#5 A root canal is a long-term solution!
Another piece of good news about root canals, beyond the fact that they're not actually painful and provide immediate relief from pain and infection, is that their results, with a crown placed and proper post-procedure care, can generally be expected to last for well over a decade.
Root Canals in Arvada, CO
If you're in the Arvada area and are experiencing symptoms that suggest you may need a root canal (or you already know you need one and have been putting it off!), contact dentist Dr. Jesse Jenkins and the team at Five Parks Dental to schedule a consultation appointment.