3 Facts About Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair severely infected teeth. With a 95% success rate, this treatment is a great option for saving damaged pearly whites. Even so, root canals have gained unfair representation over the years. This procedure is often thought to be incredibly unpleasant, but is this true? Continue reading as we discuss three facts about root canal therapy that you should know.

Fact #1: Tooth Infections Can’t Be Cured with Antibiotics

When somebody has a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics can often help fight it. so, since root canals are done to repair infected teeth, you may wonder if taking antibiotics instead will work. Unfortunately, the antibiotics aren’t enough to get rid of the tooth infection. This is because they aren’t able to effectively reach the part of the tooth where the infection is.

For this reason, you will need to undergo root canal therapy. This offers an effective long-term solution that will save the tooth and prevent problems from arising down the line.

Fact #2: Root Canal Therapy Gets Rid of Tooth Pain

Though many people think that root canal therapy is incredibly painful, the opposite is true. This treatment removes the infected pulp of a tooth, which includes the nerves. This means that undergoing a root canal will get rid of any pain that you’re filling in the tooth.

In addition, you will be administered a local anesthetic before root canal therapy. This will numb the area so that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort. If you need additional help remaining comfortable throughout the procedure, ask your dentist about dental sedation.

Fact #3: Even if the Pain Subsides, You May Still Need a Root Canal

If you have a toothache that suddenly goes away, you may think that this is a good thing. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that you no longer need a root canal. In fact, this may be a sign that the nerves inside of the infected tooth have died. This can happen when you wait too long to seek out treatment. In this case, the only option is to extract the tooth.

Additionally, if the infection travels past the pulp of the tooth and into the roots, this may cause a dental abscess to form. This pus pocket will need to be drained to keep the infection from spreading. Neglecting to do so may lead to an infection called sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

About the Practice

Experiencing pain or discomfort in one of your teeth? This may warrant the need for a root canal. Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach offers quality, effective root canal therapy to remove the infected tooth pulp as well as any pain or discomfort that you’re experiencing. Soon enough, your smile will be as good as new. Do you want to learn more about the services offered at Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach or to set up an appointment? Call their office at (386) 253-3629 or visit their website to get started.