The root canal tends to get a bad reputation in popular culture and in the waiting room at the dentist's office. Many people dread the procedure, but in reality, it’s a proactive, beneficial treatment used to preserve the integrity of a natural tooth. Not only is this procedure relatively painless, but the risks of avoiding it are also far greater than any minimal discomfort you could experience while healing. Here are some compelling reasons to have the procedure when your dentist recommends it.

3 Advantages of Getting a Root Canal

1. Your Tooth Will Feel Better

There’s often talk of the pain associated with a root canal. However, this discomfort is generally associated with the infection itself, not the process for remedying it. If you have infected dental pulp or an abscessed tooth that calls for the procedure, you could be experiencing significant pain or inflammation. After the pulp is removed, however, the infection will be cleared away, taking with it any pain you’ve had.

2. You’ll Avoid an Extraction

By removing the infected or compromised pulp, dentists are often able to preserve your natural tooth. This means you won’t have to go through an extraction followed by a restorative solution such as a bridge or dental implant.

While these options are effective when needed, retaining the natural tooth is always the least invasive and thus most preferred route. You may also receive a crown to strengthen your tooth once its pulp is removed, but it will look and feel just like your natural tooth.

3. You’ll Be Made to Feel Comfortable

The procedure itself should never be painful, as your dentist will ensure you’re fully numbed with local anesthesia before beginning any work. Once the treatment is underway, however, you can let your dental team know if you’re experiencing any discomfort.

The process is very similar to a filling except that it goes a bit deeper to remove the infection from the tooth’s pulp, not just the tooth itself. Afterward, your dentist will advise you on care tips to promote healing and boost comfort, such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed.

If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you and think you might be a good candidate for a root canal, turn to Dr. Robert Petrtyl. This dentist has more than three decades of experience helping residents of Blue Ash, Mason, Finneytown, Mount Healthy, Winton Hills, and Cincinnati, OH, and offers restorative treatments as well as preventive care and cosmetic dentistry. Find out more about what to expect from your treatment by visiting the office’s website. Call (513) 554-4657 to set up an appointment today.