The Consequences You Will Be Forced to Face When You Skip or Avoid a Root Canal Treatment

Being told that you will need root canal therapy could lead to severe fear or anxiety, making you wonder if you actually need this recommended root canal. If you fear a root canal, it is probably due to stories you have heard, most of which are untrue. When you visit the team at Greenway Dental Group in Greenbelt, Maryland, for a root canal, you will realize that a root canal is no more painful than getting a routine filling. But, until you go through the root canal process at least once, you may have unfound fears that could have you considering skipping the procedure altogether. Read on to learn why you should not ignore or avoid a prescribed root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals are a form of endodontic treatment which will repair and save a tooth that is badly infected from within. The pulp within your tooth, when infected, will need to be removed so that the tooth, both inside and out, can be cleaned and disinfected. This is done by drilling a hole in the tooth, exposing the inner chamber. Once the tooth is disinfected, it will be sealed, and a crown will be put in place to protect the weakened tooth. If you fear that this is going to hurt, you shouldn’t. Local anesthesia will be applied to the tooth and surrounding area to make the entire procedure comfortable.

If your dentist has recommended a root canal, there really is no other option to save your tooth from further infection, falling out, or requiring extraction. In many cases, a root canal will actually alleviate existing pain caused by the infection.

The Consequences of Avoiding a Root Canal

You will be told that a root canal is recommended when your tooth’s inner pulp becomes infected. If left alone, this infection can “spread its wings” and move from your tooth into the gums and jawbone surrounding the infected tooth. When bad enough and left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss, jawbone loss, dental abscesses, or even a life-threatening stroke or heart attack. As the infection continues to spread, the pain will also be significant or even excruciating.

If you are reluctant to undergo a recommended root canal, it is crucial to realize the only other available treatment to eradicate the existing infection would be to have the tooth extracted. Extraction should always be considered an action of last resort and should never be considered just because you fear a root canal. Extraction will require more work, including getting a tooth replacement, which will also cost you a lot of money.

The fear many feel about a root canal is due to false information or stories from a time in the past when root canals were a bit more painful. Today, a root canal is no more painful than getting a filling. There is no reason to fear this treatment which will save your tooth.

If you have questions or concerns about a root canal, please contact the team at Greenway Dental Group by calling (301) 778-2806.