Root canals have a bad reputation. Who doesn’t think of long hours of pain when they hear it? However….dentists have come a long way with modern root canal therapy services. Root canals are, in fact, one of the most effective ways to get rid of your tooth pain and keep your natural teeth. Root canal therapy is your best solution.
What you’ll discover:
- Why root canal therapy really works
- The real success rates that will surprise you
- How modern techniques changed everything
- When you actually need root canal treatment
- What happens during the procedure
Why Root Canal Therapy Really Works
Root canal therapy works for one big reason, because it addresses the root cause of the problem.
Bacteria enter the soft tissue in your tooth, the pulp, and set up a nasty infection which causes major pain. Old-school thinking was “pull the tooth and be done with it”. This is a very bad idea.
The real root canal therapy includes:
- Removing the infected pulp from your tooth
- Cleaning and disinfecting the insides of your tooth
- Sealing it all off to avoid future infection
- Keeping your natural tooth structure intact
This has the added effect of you not having a huge expense replacing the tooth.
Pretty smart, right?
The Real Success Rates That Will Surprise You
Did you know that root canal treatment has one of the highest success rates of all dental procedures?
Yes, you read that right. Root canal procedures have a 90-95% success rate. That means almost everyone who undergoes this treatment ends up pain-free, with a fully functioning tooth.
Even better, once treated, your teeth can last a lifetime with some basic care.
Compare this to tooth extraction and all of the hassle and expense of implants or bridges that are sure to follow. Those are thousands of dollars more than a root canal therapy and will take months. Root canal will get you back to normal in just a few visits.
The numbers don’t lie:
- Most root canals take 60-90 minutes
- Recovery time is usually 2-3 days
- You will be able to use the treated teeth just like natural teeth
- You don’t have to worry about maintaining them any differently
How Modern Techniques Changed Everything
Okay, so what about the horror stories of the past?
Nothing. I told you to forget that. Modern root canal therapy services utilize technology that changes the entire experience. We’re talking about computerized precision tools, better imaging technology, and effective pain management.
Today’s root canal treatment procedures include:
- 3D imaging of the inside of your tooth
- Lasers for precision cleaning
- Advanced anesthesia for all discomfort
- Automated methods that make treatment faster
The days of several painful appointments are over. Most root canals are finished in 1 or 2 visits and the patient reports it is no worse than a filling.
When You Actually Need Root Canal Treatment
So how can you tell if you are in need of a root canal?
The warning signs are pretty obvious:
- You have severe tooth pain when biting down on food
- Eating hot or cold food gives you sharp pain in your tooth
- There is swelling around the area of the tooth
- A throbbing, persistent pain that just won’t go away
- A pimple like bump in your gums at the base of your tooth
Here’s a good thing to know…This is not something that will go away. The infection will spread and pain will get worse. That is why it is important to treat these symptoms quickly.
When you catch it early:
- There will be less overall pain
- The procedure is easier and faster
- The success rate is higher
- The cost is lower
Waiting makes it all more difficult and expensive.
What Actually Happens During The Procedure
Let me explain what exactly takes place during root canal therapy.
First, your dentist will numb the area. You will not feel a thing other than pressure. Next, they will drill a small opening into the tooth to access the pulp inside.
The actual steps are:
- Removal of all infected tissue inside the tooth
- Cleaning and disinfecting the empty canals
- Fill the empty space with a biocompatible material
- Seal the opening with a temporary filling
- Place a permanent crown to seal the entire tooth
The whole thing should take about an hour. Most people are surprised that it is this easy.
Preserving Your Natural Teeth vs. Alternatives
I want you to pay attention to this part. Root canal treatment really is the best way to go.
You natural teeth are made to chew, speak and align your jaw properly. No artificial replacement can come close to matching that function.
When you pull a tooth, the teeth on either side start to drift, your bite is thrown off and you need an expensive procedure to fill in the gap.
Root canal treatment will keep everything as it is meant to be. Research shows that 86% of root canal treatments are successful in the long-term. It is clearly the best option for preserving your natural smile.
The Cost Reality Everyone Should Know
The thing most people don’t realize is that root canal therapy is actually less expensive in the long term.
Compare it to pulling a tooth, which means you need an expensive implant ($3,000-$5,000) and lots of healing time.
Root canal treatment takes care of everything in just a few visits and for a fraction of the cost. Even better, most dental insurance will cover a significant percentage of the root canal treatment.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
The other reason to consider root canal therapy? The recovery process is pretty quick and easy.
You may have mild discomfort for a day or two but OTC pain medication will usually take care of it completely. Most people are back to their normal activities the following day.
Once your permanent crown is in place, treat the tooth just like any other tooth. You don’t have to do anything special to take care of it.
Why Root Canal Therapy Services Matter
A large part of the quality of root canal therapy comes down to who performs the procedure.
A good endodontist (root canal specialist) will have a higher success rate than your general dentist. Endodontists have the training and tools necessary to provide the best outcomes.
Don’t let fear or negative stories turn you from getting the treatment you need. Root canal therapy is safe, effective and way more comfortable these days than people would have you believe.
Wrapping It All Up
Root canal therapy is called the gold standard for a reason. With high success rates, pain free technology and a way of keeping your natural tooth intact, root canal therapy is clearly the best choice when you have a dental infection.
Remember the key takeaways:
- Root canal will take care of your tooth pain completely
- Root canal therapy will save your natural tooth
- It will avoid infection spreading
- It is less expensive than tooth extraction and replacement
The next time someone says to you “Root canals are terrible”, you’ll be able to tell them the truth. Root canal therapy is highly effective, relatively pain-free and the best way to keep your natural smile for a lifetime.
If you have tooth pain, don’t wait to address the problem. The sooner you get it treated, the easier and more successful treatment will be.
