If your dentist has informed you that you need a root canal and your immediate reaction is to decline their treatment recommendations, you may want to consider the impact your decision can have on your smile. Although root canals have a bad reputation on TV shows, it’s likely that they’re not as scary as you may think. In fact, they have the power to preserve your smile and erase toothaches caused by infections. That’s a far cry from scary! Read on to learn more about what could happen if you turn down root canal treatment.
What Problems Do Root Canals Treat?
Root canals are a two-step treatment process that is often recommended to treat tooth infections. These develop when the protective outer layers of your teeth, called the enamel and dentin, erode away, creating a path to the inner chamber of your tooth where the nerves and soft tissues are located.
When an infection is present, root canal treatment involves not only an effective form of pain relief by removing the attacked nerves of the tooth, but also a tool to preserve your dental structure.
What Could Happen if You Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Dentists typically recommend tooth extractions when an infection is present within a tooth, but they may also do so if severe damage has put your tooth at a high risk of developing an infection as well. If these issues are left to progress, they can cause further damage to not just your smile, but also your overall health.
When harmful infection-causing bacteria in your mouth are left unchecked, they can kill the pulp of your tooth and cause the infection to spread to your jawbone and even your bloodstream. When this happens, the worst damage that an untreated infection can cause includes a stroke, heart attack, and even sepsis. The damage can also lead to permanent oral damage, causing you to lose permanent teeth, leading to higher costs for dental treatments as well.
Scared of Treatment? Let Your Dentist Know!
The best person to consult about your fear of root canal treatment is your dentist, believe it or not! Your dentist can help answer any of your questions about the procedure and even speak with you about dental sedation services that they offer to help soothe your nerves and allow you to have a more comfortable experience. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation can make your procedure a breeze, allowing you to improve your health without sacrificing your emotional well-being.
By consulting with your emergency dentist about your concerns and asking questions to better understand the impact of root canal treatment, you can make an informed decision that takes into account more than just rumors you’ve heard or your anxiety. Your dentist can let you know what to expect and help guide you through your concerns so you can ultimately enjoy a healthier, happier, and more comfortable smile!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience and has completed advanced training in sedation dentistry, earning his Level 2 certification. He is passionate about helping patients in pain find fast relief and provides same-day emergency dental care to make sure nobody has to endure discomfort for longer than absolutely necessary. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.