When is root canal therapy the best option?
By Joseph Pizzarello | Published on October 5, 2010
According to Dr. Pizzarello, when a standard filling won’t do the trick in restoring a problematic tooth, then root canal tends to be the logical alternative, as it allows the patient to retain the damaged tooth inside his mouth. Why is this so important? According to Dr. Pizzarello, it’s always better to hang onto a tooth than to have it extracted. A missing tooth can prompt the other teeth in the mouth to shift and cause a patient’s bite to become thrown off. Though extraction is sometimes a viable and even preferable option, in many cases, root canal is the better way to go.
Fortunately for patients, root canal therapy isn’t nearly as painful as many tend to make it out to be. According to Dr. Pizzarello, the universal fear of the root canal often stems from the circumstances leading up to it.
When a tooth gets infected to the point where root canal treatment becomes necessary, it can cause quite a bit of discomfort (and in some cases, it can become downright excruciating). Most people, however, tend to confuse the pain of infection with the pain that actually stems from root canal therapy. In reality, root canal treatment is not nearly as painful as most folks think. Additionally, most dentists will make certain to treat infections before beginning root canal treatments, thereby reducing the risk of added discomfort and complications along the way. And since anesthesia is a standard component in root canal therapy today, most patients requiring the procedure won’t actually feel a thing during their dental appointments.
Although hearing the words “root canal” is rarely pleasant, dental patients can rest assured that the process really isn’t all that bad. And considering the benefits involved in retaining a severely decayed tooth, those who opt to undergo treatment are likely to wind up happy with the decision in the long run.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.