It’s easy to come up with reasons to put off getting a root canal. Maybe you’re worried it will hurt or that it will take too much time out of your busy schedule. But waiting to get treatment will only make the problem worse. The infection could even spread to other parts of your body and make you very sick.
The good news is that a root canal only takes about an hour and it’s not painful as many people perceive it to be. In fact, it comes with a lot of benefits. Here are 5 key reasons not to delay getting a root canal if you need one:
- It relieves pain
The best thing about getting a root canal is that it takes away the throbbing toothache you’ve been dealing with. Even better, getting the implant put in doesn’t really hurt and your oral surgeon will be done in less than an hour. The oral surgeon will numb the area so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on your level of anxiety. The faster you come in for a root canal, the faster you can stop hurting and feeling better.
- Stops the infection in your tooth
The hard outer part of your teeth is tough, but the soft inner part can get infected easily if you have a deep cavity or a cracked tooth. If the infection isn’t treated, the pulp inside your tooth will die. The infection can then spread to the bone around your teeth and even further, causing a condition known as abscesses. A root canal stops the infection from spreading to other teeth and the rest of your body.
- It helps the body fight disease
A root canal problem won’t get better on its own like some other health issues might. This is because the nerves inside the tooth have died. If a root canal infection is ignored, it can spread harmful bacteria that lead to more problems in your gums and jaw. Getting a root canal fixes this by stopping the disease from getting worse.
- It prevents further damage
A bacterial infection in your tooth is like a small fire that can spread down into the roots and then to your gums and jaw if you don’t put it out. This can cause a painful abscess filled with pus to form, which is a serious issue. Wait too long, and the infection and inflammation can spread to your whole body, increasing the risk of major health problems like heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, a root canal can prevent all of this.
- Can save your teeth
When you have a decaying tooth, it becomes difficult and painful to chew your food. It also increases the chances of your other teeth starting to decay. If the infection in your tooth gets really bad, the tooth might get so rotten that it needs to be pulled out. But getting a root canal can save your tooth so you don’t lose it. It will also make your tooth look better.
The longer you delay — the more difficult the treatment
The more you wait to get a needed root canal, the more the infection will grow and get more complicated to treat. It will also get more expensive. If one of your teeth is hurting and experiencing some discomfort, visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group. We will take a look and figure out if a root canal is what you need. Don’t forget, a root canal isn’t painful and it provides a lot of benefits. Schedule your appointment today!