Facing the Facts: 3 Truths About Root Canals

Do you have a persistent or sudden toothache that won’t subside, or do you have a severely decayed or broken tooth? If so, your dentist will likely recommend a root canal procedure to remove any infected materials to preserve your tooth’s functionality.

However, many patients hesitate to schedule an appointment because they’ve heard horror stories about how long and agonizing it can be. There’s a lot of misinformation about root canals that might give you the wrong impression about this standard treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 truths you should know that can set your mind at ease!

Fact #1: They Don’t Usually Hurt

If you’re already in pain, the last thing you want to do is book a dental service that has the potential to exacerbate your condition. Although many people worry that a root canal will induce additional aches, the truth is that it typically alleviates more throbbing than it causes. Often, your discomfort is due to an infection that occurs when bacteria from your mouth penetrate your injured tooth, which can irritate the tender nerves in the pulp. Clearing out the damaged materials is often the most effective way to provide pain relief.

Furthermore, your dental team will apply a local anesthetic around your troubled tooth before getting started to help you feel comfortable. Many providers are also licensed to administer various sedatives to help overly anxious patients or those who may have a hard time sitting still.

Fact #2: They Protect Your Dental Health

Did you know that the roots of your teeth play a critical role in keeping your jawbone active and healthy? Every time you bite down or chew, they stimulate new bone growth so your jaw maintains enough density to serve as a firm foundation. Your tooth’s infection can potentially spread to your gums or jawbone, eventually eroding and deteriorating the tissues. Removing the diseased materials at their source prevents decay from spreading to safeguard your smile.

Not only that, but a root canal allows your dentist to shield your natural tooth in circumstances that might otherwise require extraction and replacement, which come with an additional risk of infection or a thinning jawbone once there’s no longer a root in place.

Fact #3: You Can Need One Without a Toothache

Root canals can frequently alleviate the throbbing associated with a broken or decayed tooth, but it’s possible to need one even if you’re no longer in pain. You might think that your disappearing toothache means your dental condition must have improved on its own, but the opposite is typically true. If your throbbing abates on its own, it’s likely that the infection killed the nerves inside your tooth, so it can no longer send pain signals to your brain. You must see your dentist to address the underlying issue and protect your grin.

As you can see, getting a root canal usually helps more than it hurts!

About the Practice

Patients at Frandsen Dental of West Jordan benefit from several dentists who share 50+ years of combined experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles. They provide various services under one roof to address the entire family’s needs. Their bilingual staff goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting treatment results. If you have a toothache and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (801) 890-0030.