You don’t have to be in pain to get rid of your toothache!
Do you have a pesky toothache that doesn’t give you peace? The reason behind an incessant toothache varies. But, the most common reasons include inflammation and infection. Usually, this issue is either solved through tooth extraction or a root canal. A root canal is the best way to help you get rid of the pain without losing the entire tooth.
The root canal is a scary word for many people. It is often considered a permanent procedure that is very painful. However, in reality, a root canal saves your teeth from needless extraction. Moreover, thanks to modern anaesthesia and other methods, you can now have a painless experience. People who have had a root canal tend to describe it as painless when compared to the ones who had their tooth removed.
But other than a painless experience, what is the advantage of a root canal? More importantly, what is the advantage of a root canal over a tooth removal, or just biting through the pain? Understanding the benefits of a root canal before choosing it for yourself is the right way to proceed. This decision-making process might start for you with a slight pain in the mouth. Maybe your dentist would recommend it during a routine visit. But, whatever the case is, making an educated choice is always the right way to go. After all, in the end, you are the person who will be affected.
What is a Root Canal?
Before moving on to the question at hand– what is the advantage of a root canal, you need to know what a root canal actually is.
A root canal treatment is done when you have a toothache caused by inflamed or infected pulp. The pulp, which is the soft centre of your tooth, is made up of nerves and tissue that aids its growth. A root canal starts by removing this pulp from your teeth. Further, the interior of your tooth gets cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom. After this, your dentist will fill the empty tooth and seal it. Finally, a crown or another restorative element is applied to your tooth. This will let you do all the normal things you do with your teeth without any issue. Yes, that means you can go on chewing and biting painlessly like before! Moreover, the whole process happens with you under anaesthesia. This means that you are relaxed during the procedure.
Unlike tooth removal, a root canal can help you save your natural teeth. Obviously, a tooth extraction would require that you lose a tooth. This means you might end up with a gapped smile, difficulty chewing or even speaking! Moreover, there is no recovery from losing a tooth unless you opt for prosthetics. But with a root canal, recovery happens within 48 hours after completion of your treatment. So, without a doubt, it is best to preserve your teeth in their natural state for as long as you can. Of course, you can choose from prosthetic options after tooth removal, but it is best to consider that the last resort.
What is the Advantage of a Root Canal
Now you know how a root canal is done. More importantly, you also know why a root canal is preferred to tooth removal. But the best answer to the question of what is the advantage of a root canal cannot be condensed into one. You will be able to enjoy many benefits if you opt for a root canal. They are:
Painless During and After the Procedure
The reason you are probably considering a root canal is pain. A root canal can help you get rid of the infection and subsequent pain it causes you completely. In fact, within just a couple of days of the treatment, you will be able to get back to your normal life. That means you will be able to enjoy what you do without that pesky toothache bothering you!
In addition to that, you will find the root canal treatment to be painless too. People often wrongly assume it to be extremely painful and scary, but we assure you that it’s not. Since you will be under anaesthesia, you might feel pressure or movements but no pain. That is to say that after the procedure you can walk away right then. And more importantly, you get to keep your natural tooth intact. You will also be able to continue eating your favourite foods and smile that natural smile.
Prevention of Further Infection
Did you know that an untreated tooth infection could spread to your jaw or even your brain? Getting a root canal treatment done at the right time can prevent your infection from spreading. This saves you from a lot of other health problems too.
Aesthetic Appeal
A beautiful smile is certainly something that benefits you a lot. Infected teeth tend to turn yellow, or in serious cases, even brown because of the bacterial build-up! This might not respond to teeth whitening and can affect your confidence in many ways. With a root canal, you will be able to have a natural-looking crown that functions the same way as the rest of your teeth.
Long-Lasting
Another great advantage of root canals is their durability. With some effort from you, your root canal could last you a lifetime. To ensure this, however, you have to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, make sure to avoid using your tooth as a tool. That means no opening cans r cracking nuts with your teeth!
Cost-Effective
In some cases it might seem like a tooth extraction is the more affordable option for you. But if you consider all the aftercare costs as well, it is definitely the other way round. Tooth removal also requires you to do more follow-ups with your dentist than a root canal. In other words, a tooth extraction could leave you with a gap in your teeth and a hole in your pocket.
So, you shouldn’t choose another option because you fear a root canal would be too painful or expensive. Instead, ask us this question– what is the advantage of a root canal? Give your teeth the best choice possible and consult your dentist to opt for a root canal.
