You have a tooth infection, and your dentist has recommended root canal treatment. Like many others, you are probably wondering whether the treatment is safe and whether you have to endure pain during the procedure. When you visit a dentist in San Francisco, CA, you should ask all relevant questions that are pertinent to your current concern. For your help, we have enlisted the pros and cons of root canal therapy below.
The pros
Before we discuss why getting root canal treatment is a good idea, let’s understand the procedure. The eventual goal of root canal therapy is to save the natural tooth from further damage and decay. If your dentist finds that the decay or cavity has impacted the pulp or the soft tissues inside the tooth, they would recommend the procedure. Advantages include:
- With root canal therapy, you can expect to save your tooth and avoid the need for dental implants.
- The procedure is fairly simple, and you can expect to get a crown on your third appointment. There is little or no pain involved.
- Because root canal treatment prevents the need for an extraction, you don’t have to worry about gaps anymore.
- The procedure has a high success rate, and as long as you follow your dentist’s advice, you don’t have to worry about further dental concerns.
- Not to forget, after the treatment is done, you won’t feel pain anymore and can continue to eat normally.
The cons
Like any other dental treatment, there are always a few inherent risks associated with root canal treatment. Also, it can take a couple of appointments to complete the procedure, and for some people, this may seem time-consuming. In some cases, reinfection may happen, and you may have to go for retreatment.
Understanding the procedure
Generally, root canal treatment is done under local anesthesia, and you won’t feel any discomfort or pain. Your dentist will create an access opening and use dental files to remove the pulp and decay from the inside. The cleared root canals will be filled with a special material and sealed. Because the tooth becomes hollow after the procedure, using a crown is highly necessary. At times, finding root canals can be hard as some canals are hard to locate or are often curved. Your dentist will ensure that you feel comfortable, and if needed, they may divide the procedure into two or three appointments.
Still, have your questions? Check top-rated dental clinics in San Francisco now and ask for an appointment.
