Root canals are notoriously known for being painful procedures, which is why most people are hesitant to schedule the treatment if they need it. The problem with this widespread rumor is that it’s just that, a myth. Without the proper timely intervention for infected teeth, it can result in needing more costly and invasive treatments down the road. If you’re debating about whether or not to bite the bullet and schedule your procedure, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t wait to get a root canal.
Stop the Infection From Spreading
When you have an oral health problem like a tooth infection, treatment is a necessary step to save the rest of your smile. The toxins spread by harmful oral bacteria can travel to other areas of your mouth, and even your body. Without the right dental care, the effects could be potentially life-threatening and cause:
- Fevers, sweating, and chills.
- Dehydration
- Swelling that makes it difficult to chew and open your mouth.
- Increased heart and breathing rate.
- Stomach pain caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
Even though it may start with a disruptive toothache that doesn’t seem like too severe of an issue, an untreated infection can spread to other surrounding teeth, resulting in even more pain.
Relieve Your Severe Toothache
Typically, the most common and first signs of an infected tooth is a severe toothache. Sometimes, they can be so painful that they distract you from work or getting your daily tasks done. When harmful oral bacteria are able to penetrate the inner more sensitive part of your tooth because of dental decay, they infect and attack the pulp, which houses thousands of nerves. This is why toothaches are commonly the first symptom that points towards a patient needing a root canal.
Oftentimes, these toothaches are associated with the root canal treatment, giving them a bad reputation for being painful when really, it’s the side-effects of the problem that are the root of the discomfort. Treating the issue by removing the infected pulp actually relieves your pain and the procedure itself is virtually pain-free.
Save Your Natural Tooth
Delaying your root canal will inevitably result in more pain and needing a tooth extraction. Treating an infected tooth in a timely manner will save your natural pearly white and restore the structure, shape, and strength of it. That way, you can enjoy your home-grown set of teeth for decades to come without being self-conscious of a gap in your smile. Plus, it’ll make it easier to maintain your oral health down the road.
Although root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, they actually relieve pain and help restore your mouth to good health. With modern dental advancements, you won’t have to worry about feeling any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. The longer you wait to schedule the procedure, the more danger you’re putting your teeth and body in, which is why it’s best to simply get it done with.
About the Practice
At Dental Center of Jacksonville, we have three highly trained dentists that offer high-quality preventive treatment. With their years of combined experience, patients trust that they’re in reliable hands. Because we don’t want you to have to endure intense dental pain, we gladly take dental emergencies and walk-ins and are open late and in Saturdays. For questions or to schedule a root canal, visit our website or call our office at 904-262-9466.