A root canal is carried out to rescue a damaged or infected tooth. The process involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth, cleaning its root canals, and then filling them with a substance to prevent further damage.
The only option left to salvage a tooth that might otherwise need to be pulled is root canal therapy. Although the treatment has a reputation for being painful, modern root canal therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is virtually pain-free.
This article will discuss the benefits of root canal therapy and how the treatment can help you.
Relief from Pain and Discomfort
A significant benefit of root canal therapy is the relief it provides from pain and discomfort. If the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, gets infected or swollen, it can lead to extreme discomfort and heightened sensitivity to hot or cold substances.
A root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, which eliminates the source of pain and discomfort. After the procedure, patients report feeling immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
Preservation of the Natural Tooth
In the past, a tooth that was infected or damaged would need to be extracted. However, with root canal therapy, the tooth can be saved, and it can continue to function like a natural tooth.
Preserving the natural tooth is essential because it helps maintain proper chewing function and prevents the need for more extensive dental work in the future, such as dental implants or bridges.
Prevention of Further Infection
Root canal therapy helps prevent further infection from spreading to other teeth and the surrounding gums. If a tooth has an infection or inflammation, it can cause bacteria to spread to other areas of the mouth and cause more severe dental issues.
By removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root canals, the dentist can prevent the spread of infection and protect the patient from more extensive dental problems.
Improved Oral Health
Root canal therapy can improve overall oral health by removing the source of infection and restoring the tooth’s function. The procedure also helps prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future, such as dental implants or bridges.
By preserving the natural tooth, patients can maintain proper chewing function, which helps improve digestion and overall health.
Improved Appearance
Sometimes, after a root canal treatment, a tooth may need a crown to make it look normal again. The crown is a custom-made cap that covers the tooth and restores its shape and size.
Crowns are made of materials that match the color of the patient’s natural teeth, which helps improve the tooth’s appearance. Making the tooth look better can boost a patient’s self-assurance in their smile, leading to an overall sense of improved health and positivity.
Cost-Effective Treatment
Root canal therapy is a cost-effective treatment compared to more extensive dental work, such as dental implants or bridges. It just requires one or two dental appointments to complete the treatment, which is rather straightforward.
Additionally, patients can prevent future, more complicated, and potentially expensive dental work by keeping their natural teeth.
Quick and Easy Recovery
Root canal therapy has a quick and easy recovery period compared to other dental procedures. Patients may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
After the procedure, the majority of patients can resume their regular daily routines without delay, which makes it a hassle-free treatment alternative. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Root canal therapy is a minimally invasive dental treatment that can provide many benefits to patients. In case you have a tooth that is damaged or infected, it’s advisable to consult your dentist regarding the possibility of undergoing root canal therapy as a treatment.
With modern techniques and technology, root canal therapy is virtually pain-free, and it can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Are you looking for a trusted dental clinic that can perform a root canal in Westborough, MA? Look no further than Family Dental of Westborough! We are open and ready to provide dental care, cleanings, and routine maintenance in accordance with Massachusetts Phase 2 guidelines.
We prioritize our patients and take every possible measure to ensure their safety throughout the process. Schedule your dental appointment with us today!