When faced with a toothache, many people dread the thought of a root canal treatment. However, contrary to common misconceptions, this procedure is not just a way to relieve pain; it is an effective means of preserving your natural tooth. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of tooth preservation, the long term benefits of saving your natural tooth and why it is important for your oral health.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
It is a pain relieving procedure that is done by removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and filling the roots with an inert material and sealing the tooth from infection. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
When will your dentist recommend a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment are typically for those who have a severely decayed or infected tooth with damage to the pulp. Common signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Darkening of the tooth due to fracture or trauma
Why is Root Canal Treatment Important?
1. Preserving Your Natural Tooth
One of the primary benefits of root canal treatment is the preservation of your natural tooth.Nothing compares to the functionality of your own natural tooth, while there are other restorative options like implants and dental bridges, root canal treatment allows you to maintain your natural bite, which contributes positively to your overall oral health.
2. Preventing Further Complications
Untreated tooth infections can lead to serious complications, including abscesses, bone loss, space infections leading to soft tissue swelling and in some cases decay spreading to the neighbouring tooth and the need for tooth extraction. A root canal eliminates the source of infection, preventing these issues from arising and saving you from more invasive and costly treatments in the future.
3. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
Although a root canal may seem expensive upfront, it is a cost-effective option in the long run. Preserving your natural tooth eliminates the need for more complex procedures later on, like implants or bone grafts, which can be significantly more expensive.
4. Maintaining Oral Functionality
Root canal treatment restores your tooth’s form, function and esthetics. The quality of life is significantly improved allowing you to chew the food that you like and thereby improves the absorption of nutrients and improve digestion.
5. Natural Aesthetics
Thanks to advancement in dental prothesis, today a root canal treated tooth can be restored esthically in many ways, either a full coverage crown, onlay or veneer etc. These restorations can be made to look just like your natural teeth. .
6. Promoting Overall Health
Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Infections in the mouth can lead to systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes complications. By treating an infected tooth, you’re not just benefiting your dental health; you’re also contributing to your overall well-being.
