Root canals are often blamed for pain, but they’re not the real culprit. It’s time to celebrate them instead.
May is “Save Your Tooth Month,” according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). On top of that, the second week of May is Root Canal Awareness Week and Wednesday, May 12 is Root Canal Awareness Day. For something most people don’t look forward to, that’s a lot of celebration. The truth is, root canals aren’t problems to avoid, but solutions we can appreciate when needed.
Why Celebrate a Root Canal?
We can think of several things!
It Stops the Pain
It’s true that the process can be uncomfortable, but that’s only for a few brief moments. The root canal is what’s actually eliminating the pain and the problem by removing the infected tissue and the nerve in the tooth while leaving the structure of the tooth intact. If you want to learn more about the procedure, check out our article, What Happens if You Put Off a Root Canal?
It Removes the Damage
Some people think they can work through the pain and let the infection run its course. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen much. It can be deceptive if the pain goes away. You might think it’s healed, but it’s really because the nerve at the root of the tooth has actually died. At that point, you aren’t feeling the pain, but the problem is still there and can lead to even worse problems with abscesses and even bone loss.
It Can Save a Tooth
Once you get past a certain point, there’s no alternative but extraction, which brings even more challenges. At that point, you have to worry about how to keep your teeth in alignment with one missing, whether to fill the gap with a bridge or implant and what to do if you’re worried people will notice it when you smile.
A Healthy Root Canal Alternative
As much as we can appreciate the value of a root canal, there is one alternative we fully support. You can probably guess – prevention! And you can guess the prescription too. Great oral hygiene, including these familiar tips:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Visit us for a cleaning twice a year
- Avoid sweets, especially hard and sticky candies and other foods that can crack your teeth
- Call us at the first sign of trouble (sensitivity, pain, swelling, etc.)
What To Do If You Need a Root Canal?
If you’ve heard from us, another dentist, or an endodontist that you need a root canal, don’t panic or wait. We’ll take good care of you throughout the process and make it as quick and painless as possible.
You can contact us anytime. To schedule your visit now, fill out this form, or call our office at (708) 448-7588.