Root canal therapy is an infamous dental treatment — few procedures inspire more nervousness and fear. But did you know that it actually doesn’t deserve its bad reputation? Let’s discuss four facts about root canal therapy in Prestonsburg. After learning them, you may just come to appreciate this remarkable, highly effective treatment.
Root Canal Therapy Is Not Painful
In the past, a root canal may have been quite uncomfortable — but that was before the advent of modern techniques and technology. Thanks to both local anesthesia and sedation, patients typically feel little to nothing while their dental team is performing the treatment. Afterward, you may expect some swelling and discomfort, but if you carefully follow post-op instructions, you will likely be back to feeling like yourself within a week. In fact, you will likely feel better than you did before your appointment — root canal therapy can remove the ultimate cause of some of the most painful toothaches.
Root Canal Therapy Can Preserve an Infected Tooth
Every single one of your natural teeth is important; each plays a role in helping you speak and chew effectively. They also serve as placeholders to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of their proper positions. Therefore, even if a tooth gets badly damaged or infected, you should try to save it if possible. In many cases, a root canal can remove the infected tissue and allow the rest of the tooth to remain in your mouth, thereby preventing the need for an extraction and sparing you from having to consider tooth replacement options later on.
You Might Need Root Canal Therapy Even if You Are Not in Pain
Root canal therapy can end a toothache — but in some cases, it is necessary even when a patient is not in any pain. This can happen if the nerve inside the tooth is no longer functioning and is incapable of sending pain signals to the brain. However, the infection that attacked the tooth in the first place may still be present. Root canal treatment may be able to stop the problem from spreading and protect you from future pain.
Root Canal Therapy Has a High Success Rate
Root canal therapy is consistently successful. According to some estimates, it works well in anywhere from 85% to 97% of cases. On the off chance that your initial root canal fails, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for retreatment.
Don’t let the bad reputation of root canal therapy make you shy away from it. It is a consistently successful treatment that can end a toothache, prevent extractions, and offer other benefits. It is also surprisingly comfortable. If your dentist recommends that you undergo it, you can commit to it with confidence.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove offer general and emergency dental services to the Prestonsburg community. They place a strong emphasis on patient comfort, which is why they offer powerful sedation to patients who must undergo root canal therapy or other complex procedures. To learn more about them and how they may be able to serve you, contact our office at 606-874-9311.