Despite the fact that it’s a commonly recommended and performed restorative procedure, many patients have misgivings when told that they need root canal treatment. When these misgivings cause patients to hesitate or neglect treatment, the consequences can be dire, growing worse the longer the patient waits. To help you avoid more severe complications with your dental health, we can help alleviate your anxiety by answering a few important questions about root canals that you might not have thought to ask.
Why is root canal treatment necessary?
The main reason behind the need for root canal treatment is extensive, internal tooth infection. Also known as tooth decay, this infection is the cause behind cavities in your tooth’s main structure. It can also be cause for more serious concern if the infection reaches the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels inside of its inner chamber, or pulp. Root canal treatment is the only way to remove the infection from inside of your tooth and its root canal, preventing it from spreading further.
Is there an alternative treatment?
The best alternative to root canal treatment is to prevent tooth decay or treat it early with a dental filling. Once root canal treatment becomes necessary, however, your dentist may not have any other recourse for saving your tooth. If you hesitate, you may need to eventually extract the tooth and replace it with a lifelike prosthesis.
Will my root canal treatment hurt?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that root canal treatment hurts. The truth is that internal tooth infection hurts; root canal treatment alleviates the pain by removing it. The treatment itself is a conservative procedure that can be completed in a single visit. Also, in addition to local anesthesia to numb the tooth, you may also opt for dental sedation to help you further remain calm and relaxed.
Schedule an Appointment
Our primary goal is to enhance the health and quality of life of every one our patients through customized, comprehensive dental care. Book an appointment Call Sunnyvale Dental Care today at (408) 720-0900. We also proudly serve patients from Santa Clara, Cupertino, Mountain View, San Jose, Campbell, Palo Alto, and all surrounding communities.