5 Reasons Why Root Canals Are Secret Weapons for Your Smile

Root canals rescue teeth.

When people hear the words “root canal,” they tend to think of painful and elaborate procedures, but nothing could be further from the truth. Modern-day root canals can be an excellent option for those who are dealing with tooth decay that has progressed and led to an infection. 

Instead of removing the entire tooth, root and all, you can benefit from these teeth treatments. A root canal can make it easier to preserve your tooth’s integrity and avoid needing implants or other similar options. Learn more about root canals and the top 5 reasons why they are so important. 

1. They save your natural tooth.

Root canals remove the infected parts of the tooth, but keep the structure in place. This means you don’t have to worry about gaps in your smile or the need to replace the missing tooth

Your natural tooth is important when it comes to preserving your full bite and clear speech. Losing a tooth creates other issues such as surrounding teeth shifting into the gap or a weakened jaw bone where the tooth once secured it. With a root canal, none of this is a concern because your tooth is still in place. 

2. Modern root canals are virtually painless.

Your comfort is our number one priority. Before you receive a root canal, you’ll always be given some form of anesthesia. Most of the time, it will be local anesthesia, which numbs the area so that you don’t feel anything but a bit of pressure. People often compare a root canal to the sensation of getting a tooth filled. 

If you have dental anxiety, which is a common issue, you may also have access to sedatives. These place you in a calm state, and you may not even remember the procedure once it’s over, which assists in preventing further stress.

3. They stop pain, not cause it.

Tooth infections are extremely painful. They can cause swelling and dull or sharp pain that can prevent you from eating and sleeping. You may have tried all of the available home remedies for toothache relief with no results. 

To get reliable tooth pain relief, a root canal is an excellent option. These procedures can remove the pain rapidly because they address the infected tissue causing it. Inflammation goes down, which stops the pressure on your nerves. Any sensitivity to hot or cold foods also vanishes soon after a root canal. 

Additionally, these procedures don’t require you to take prescription painkillers as you recover. Typically, over-the-counter options are enough to address any issues you may experience. 

4. They protect the surrounding teeth and bone.

Losing a tooth puts your jaw bone at risk since it receives stimulation from tooth roots, helping it produce bone cells. Without this stimulation, the jaw bone can begin to lose density. This puts other teeth in danger. If more teeth fall out, the bone density loss gets worse, and the problem increases. 

When you lose a tooth, another problem is that nearby teeth can start shifting. This will change your bite, which could make it more difficult to eat, and it can also impact how you look. Changes in your jaw will become visible over time.

Opting for a root canal eliminates the need to remove the affected tooth and preserves the health of the surrounding jaw bone and teeth. 

5. They’re often the first step to a stronger, healthier smile.

Root canals pair well with other types of restorative options. You can prevent further infections by adding a crown to the affected tooth, for example. Also, you don’t have to stress over what your smile looks like, since it’s your natural tooth. 

A root canal prevents infections from spreading to your jaw bone, potentially leading to significant health issues. These infections can even cause inflammation throughout the body, impacting your organs. Focusing on your oral health not only allows you to obtain a healthier smile, but it also makes a difference to your overall well-being. 

Get relief with help from a trusted dentist in Maryville, MO.

If you have developed significant pain in a tooth and have noticed swelling, redness, and other issues, one of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to schedule a consultation with a Maryville dentist. If you have a tooth infection that has reached the pulp, it may be time for a root canal. 

Root canals may sound like frightening procedures, but they are minor interventions that can save your tooth while eliminating the infection that is causing the pain. At Compass Dental Group, our team offers general dentistry services, such as root canals, to address the issues that affect your well-being. If you have noticed any symptoms that point to a tooth infection, don’t wait. We can help you feel better. Contact us to schedule a consultation.