So you’ve been told you need a root canal to save your natural tooth, but are you worried that root canals are dangerous?
It’s probably your nerves or perhaps the bad reputation root canals have garnered. The misconceptions about root canals are so widespread that there’s even a saying that goes, ‘as much fun as a root canal’, to describe something that is anticipated to be the opposite of fun.
However, here’s the truth – root canals are generally a safe and effective way to save a damaged tooth.
Also known as endodontic treatment, a root canal is performed on severely infected or damaged teeth that can be saved without extraction. So we may recommend a root canal if you have deep cavities, cracks within the tooth, trauma to the tooth root or a severe infection.
At Ashgrove Dental, we want you to know the truth about root canals. So, if you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t panic. Here’s all you need to know about root canal treatment, from its benefits to its risks.
What are the Benefits of a Root Canal?
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
A common misconception among many patients is that root canal treatment can be extremely painful.
Thanks to dental advancements, modern dental technology and local anaesthesia, getting a root canal is not as uncomfortable or painful as it once was. In fact, it’s like getting a cavity filled, with most patients reporting feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure.
On most occasions, the pain our patients associate with root canals actually comes from the damage or infection in the tooth itself. Because root canals typically don’t cause pain, they help relieve the pain.
Our dentists at Ashgrove Dental use up-to-date technology and a local anaesthetic to make the process comfortable.
Is Root Canal Treatment Risky?
Here’s the thing – when it comes to dental procedures, all procedures come with some level of risk.
That being said, the risks associated with a root canal procedure are relatively low, especially considering the high success rates associated with the procedure. While they are generally safe, they can have some side effects like post-procedure pain and discomfort, swelling in the gums or face around the treated area or infections.
Pain, discomfort and swelling are typically normal after the procedure and they are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medications and ice packs. Infections, however, can be an entirely different ball game and require immediate care.
Although infections are rare, they can arise if the pulp isn’t sealed properly and the tooth becomes infected again. While choosing a qualified and experienced dentist is a crucial factor in determining the success of root canal treatment, the treatment’s success also depends on factors such as anatomical variations in the tooth structure and patient compliance with post-treatment care.
That is why finding the right dentist and committing to proper aftercare is more suitable than avoiding the procedure altogether. Because, if you leave your tooth untreated, the infection could spread to your other teeth and damage them, resulting in you needing to extract them or needing more root canals.
Can Root Canals Cause Health Problems?
Yet another misconception surrounding root canal treatment is that it can cause other health problems like infections and systemic diseases.
Root canals, when performed correctly, don’t cause health issues. In fact, they help prevent them.
When a tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread to other teeth and even enter your bloodstream and cause other health problems like heart disease. A root canal helps stop the infection in its tracks, protecting not just your tooth but also your overall health and well-being.
Will a Root Canal Result in Tooth Loss?
Some say that a root canal is just a quick fix for damaged or infected teeth and that the affected tooth will eventually fall out – that it’s only a matter of time.
That could be the case if the root canal treatment was not performed properly by the dentist or if the patient did not comply with aftercare instructions. Otherwise, your tooth will stay in place and remain healthy for decades and even longer (with proper care).
To enhance the lifespan of the root canal, we recommend topping it with a dental crown. This is because a dental crown can add an extra layer of protection to keep your tooth strong and functional.
Want to know more about how long a root canal can last without a dental crown? Read here.
So, what’s evident here is that leaving an infection untreated can cause tooth loss, not the root canal itself. The most important thing to do after getting a root canal is to care for it as instructed by your dentist.
So there you have it – the benefits and risks of root canal treatment. With the misconceptions about root canals being far from the truth, it’s best to consult a dentist to find out if a root canal is exactly what you need.
Save your natural teeth with a root canal and enjoy a range of benefits from the way you eat to the way you speak and smile.
Contact our team at Ashgrove Dental for more information about root canals.
References
American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Myths About Root Canals – https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/
Healthdirect. Root canal treatment – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/root-canal-treatment
