During the countdown to Halloween, many of us take a long look at the the things we fear the most. For many years, one of the items that topped many adults’ “most feared” list was having to have a root canal treatment.
Thankfully, times have changed. Fewer and fewer Americans say they are afraid of root canals, and more and more of them recognize the value of preserving their natural teeth. This newfound courage is not misplaced, either. Here are several reasons why today’s root canal treatments are nothing to fear.
Reasons NOT to fear getting a root canal
- Today’s root canal treatments lessen discomfort, not cause it. Patients who are candidates for root canals often are struggling with an infection, a broken tooth, a dying tooth nerve, or other conditions that cause discomfort. Modern tools and techniques used in root canals lessen discomfort from the underlying cause.
- Today’s root canal treatments are safe and effective. There is no clinically valid link between having a root canal and becoming susceptable to other health challenges. Preserving and treating a compromised natural tooth most often improves a patient’s oral and overall health.
- Today’s root canal treatments are durable solutions. For many patients, having a root canal treatment or re-treatment is step one for preserving their tooth. The second step is often placing a crown to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. However, if a patient complies with a full treatment and restoration, the tooth can then often last for decades, even a lifetime.
“It’s important to face your fears if you need a root canal treatment,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Most of the time, you will discover they have no basis in fact, and you can proceed with this procedure with confidence.”