3 Good Reasons Not to Put Off a Root Canal

Suffering from a toothache is no fun, but for many patients, the idea of a root canal is even worse! It’s common to experience anxiety around dental procedures, and this one is no exception. A lot of people worry that it will hurt so avoid scheduling one, even if they know it’s needed. While you might think you can live with the discomfort of a sore tooth, you may not be aware of some other consequences of putting off a root canal. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons you shouldn’t wait.

Reason #1: It Won’t Resolve Itself

Generally, root canals are required when the interior pulp of your tooth has become infected. If you try to wait for the issue to resolve itself, you’ll only allow the disease to progress. If for whatever reason the pain does lessen, it could signify that it’s gotten worse and damaged your sensitive nerves. Your dentist needs to take care of the issue as soon as possible to avoid this.

Reason #2: Pain Relief

Often when we think of root canals, we immediately associate them with a painful dental experience. The truth is, however, that the procedure will remove the materials causing the throbbing to begin with. Your dentist will thoroughly numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable the entire time they’re working. They’ll create a small opening in your tooth to clean it out, then seal it back up and cap it with a tooth-shaped crown. You may even find that your ache has gone away even before you’ve fully healed in a few days.

Reason #3: Associated Health Risks

Did you know that your dental health impacts your overall well-being? Poor oral health has been associated with an increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infection, and more. If the infection in your tooth is left to fester, it can impact your jaw and gums. Then, as it enters the bloodstream, it travels to other systems in your body and plays a factor in developing these other conditions. By addressing the issue sooner rather than later, you decrease the chances of developing more complex problems down the road.

If your dentist tells you that a root canal is necessary, it doesn’t pay to put it off. With current technology and a local anesthetic, it’s not a complicated or particularly uncomfortable procedure. Soon you’ll have it done with and you’ll finally be pain-free!

About the Practice

At Dental Excellence Melbourne, patients of all ages benefit from having 4 highly trained dentists dedicated to improving their smiles. They use the latest technologies for more comfortable treatments that last. If you need a root canal, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (321) 255-0199.