Every year in America, dentists perform over 15 million root canal procedures. Even though root canals are a rather frequent dental treatment, many wonder whether it’s safe and if it can cause health problems. Sometimes this even leads them to avoid the treatment altogether. This brings up serious public health preoccupations since not addressing infected teeth with a root canal near you could end up in augmented pain or infection of vital organs. However, being informed about evidence-based facts regarding root canals and their safety can help you make a more conscious decision about your oral health.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a treatment that restores badly infected or decayed. Root canals can frequently prevent the loss of teeth and prevent the spread of infection to other teeth. While getting root canal treatment, a dentist takes out the infected pulp from the inside of the impacted tooth which allows them to clean, disinfect, and shape the “canals” within the root of the tooth. After that, they fill the space in your tooth and seal it, and you can go back to the dentist on a subsequent date to have a crown placed.
Root canal therapy in Naples is typically executed on teeth that are chipped, cracked or have extensive cavities. You may require a root canal if you experience one or more of the next symptoms: lingering sensitivity in your teeth to hot or cold foods or beverages, cracked or chipped teeth, severe pain when biting down, inflamed or tender gums, and pimples on the gums. Nevertheless, it will always be best to visit a dentist near you to get an accurate diagnosis.
How Safe Are Root Canals?
Dentists have been performing root canals for more than a century, and their effectiveness has been well-established. However, the media has made many people become wary of root canal treatments and wonder whether they’re safe and effective. So, many people ask, are root canals dangerous? Can they jeopardize my overall health?
Thankfully, root canals are safe and can reduce your risk of serious health problems by not allowing the infection to spread around the body. As time passes, advancements in dental techniques, equipment, and anesthetics are ensuring that root canals are safer and easier than ever before. Consequently, there is no proven scientific evidence that shows root canals being related to severe health problems or death.
When Are Root Canals Needed?
Root canal therapy may be required if you have a severely infected or damaged tooth. If an infected dental piece is left untreated, it can increase the risk of infection in other teeth, or even organs. If you have noticed any abnormal symptoms leading you to believe that you may need root canal treatment, book a consultation with your dentist in Naples immediately to receive an evaluation and discuss your treatment options. Removal of the tooth is the only workaround to getting a root canal, and your dentist can provide the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a root canal over tooth extraction.
Are There Any Side Effects from Root Canal Treatment?
There are normal symptoms that can easily be alleviated using over-the-counter painkillers. However, if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact a dentist near you immediately:
1. Severe pain lasting longer than a couple of days.
2. Loss of the restoration (crown or filling) on the affected tooth.
3. Swelling or inflammation outside or inside the mouth.
4. An uneven bite sensation.
After root canal treatment, you may feel soreness and tenderness in your mouth and jaw for a few days, but it will gradually wear off.