Top 8 Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Thanks to the ever-evolving dental technology, there is hope for a decayed tooth. When food particles and other debris get trapped between teeth, they build up to form plaque and tartar, which encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

The bacteria release harmful chemicals which weaken the tooth’s enamel, causing tooth decay. When not addressed timely, the bacteria finds its way into the tooth’s center or pulp, infecting the nerves and blood vessels.

The infection causes severe discomfort, including toothache, swelling, sensitivity, loose tooth, and much more. To remedy the harmful effects of tooth decay, root canal therapy is recommended. If the tooth is severely decayed or doesn’t respond to a root canal treatment, extraction may be necessary.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy eliminates decayed or inflamed nerves and tissues from the tooth’s pulp. The dentist begins by numbing the area to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Next, they drill through the tooth to access the decayed materials. The tooth is cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected to prevent re-infection. Next, the dentist fills the tooth and seals it off. If necessary, a dental crown is added to improve the tooth’s strength and protection.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

If you have a damaged tooth, there are numerous reasons why a root canal can be beneficial to you. These include:

• Retain your natural tooth

The primary function of a root canal procedure is to remove decay and preserve the tooth. It eliminates the need for tooth extraction by restoring the health of your tooth. Without a root canal, the only remedy for deep cavities is tooth extraction, which would leave you with an empty socket.

While tooth extraction will remove the discomfort of tooth decay, the problems don’t end there. A missing tooth can cause potential issues such as jawbone deterioration, facial sagging, lost bite function, and poor dental hygiene. Thanks to a root canal, you retain your natural tooth, so you won’t have to worry about anything else.

• Save your valuable time

A root canal treatment saves your time in numerous ways. To begin with, it only requires a single appointment at the dental office. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to get a root canal.

After that, you won’t have to deal with the symptoms of tooth decay, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. Similarly, you won’t have to deal with further treatments such as tooth extraction, dental implants, and dentures.

• Stops the infection

When a tooth’s pulp is infected, it leads to an accumulation of bacteria inside the tooth. If not addressed timely, the infection can eat away the tooth or spread over to the adjacent teeth. A root canal eliminates the bacteria and decayed tissues, which inhibits the growth and spread of the infection.

• Virtually Painless

While many patients shiver at the thought of a root canal treatment, the procedure is virtually painless. The dentist uses anesthesia to keep you relaxed and pain-free during the entire procedure. Only minimal discomfort is expected. Fortunately, that discomfort goes away after a few hours.

• Cost-effective and efficient

When done correctly, tooth decay is wholly eradicated. As far as cost is concerned, a root canal saves you hundreds of dollars in the long run. By preserving the tooth, the need for further dental procedures such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, dental implants, and bridges is eliminated. The cost of these procedures can be incredibly high.

• Relieve symptoms of tooth decay

Apart from saving the tooth, a root canal relieves the ugly side effects of tooth decay, including:

• Fever
• Tenderness or soreness around the mouth
• A foul taste or smell from the mouth
• Swelling around the damaged tooth
• Difficulty eating or speaking

• Improved oral appearance and function

A root canal seeks to treat a decayed tooth by removing the infected materials, filling it, and covering it with a dental crown. The result is a healthy, youthful, and natural-looking smile. Similarly, the crown improves the tooth’s strength and protection, allowing you to eat and chew comfortably.

• Improved oral hygiene and health

A decayed tooth can significantly affect your oral hygiene and health. For instance, it can make it hard to brush and floss your teeth, increasing your risk of having oral and health complications such as tooth loss, dementia, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and heart disease. A root canal treats a tooth, making it easier to care for your mouth, consequently boosting your overall well-being.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for the best dental care providers for root canal therapy and other dental treatments? Contact Belknap Dental Associates to book your appointment today.