Root Canals Are Good News – Here’s Why

To this day, root canals are one of the most feared procedures. If you struggle with dental-related anxiety as well, and you recently found out that you need this emergency dental treatment, you might be feeling stress, panic, and worry. However, root canals are actually good news! If you’re not quite convinced, here are four reasons why.

Reason #1: Your Tooth Doesn’t Need To Be Extracted

Typically, there is only one alternative to a root canal: an extraction. Although this may seem like a better option initially, we always want to save your natural tooth when you can. Plus, pulling the tooth comes with a longer healing period and a higher cost since you need to pay for a replacement as well (like a dental bridge or implant). In other words, root canals benefit both your smile and your wallet!

Reason #2: Root Canals Don’t Cause Pain. They Alleviate It!

Hands down, one of the biggest myths about root canals is that they hurt. In reality, this restorative treatment alleviates pain, discomfort, and sensitivity by removing the infection. Not only that, but your mouth will be numb, so you won’t feel anything in the treatment chair. Even when the procedure is over, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably as well.

Reason #3: You Don’t Need to Take Time Off Work or School

While some emergency dental procedures, like tooth extractions, require patients to dedicate two or more days solely to rest, that’s not the case with root canals. In fact, many patients return to work or school the next day! Just make sure that you follow the aftercare instructions provided – from rinsing periodically with warm saltwater to taking OTC pain medication as directed.

Reason #4: The Final Result Will Look and Feel Great

There was once a time when dark-colored restorations were used. Although that’s still an option, many patients opt for metal-free options since they are durable, safe, and considerably more aesthetically pleasing. In other words, you don’t have to worry about unwanted attention being drawn to your smile moving forward; your restoration will blend in perfectly with your surrounding teeth.

Ultimately, root canals are nothing to fear. Quite the opposite: the fact that this restorative treatment is an option means the infection can be eliminated and your tooth can be saved!

About the Practice

At Martinez Dentistry, we share a passion for providing our patients with compassionate, custom, and comprehensive care. If you need root canal treatment, you can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible (we even offer sedation dentistry!). So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach; contact us via our website or by phone at (317) 846-3431 so we can restore the look, health, and function of your tooth.