Ask Your Dentist: Do I Really Need a Root Canal?
Millions of people are familiar with that sinking feeling that patients experience when their dentist says those five dreaded words: you need a root canal. For many of those patients, a root canal is about the most anxiety-inducing dental procedure that they can imagine. The fact is, though, that the root canal is one of the most common dental procedures in the Unites States. Millions of people each year undergo this treatment. Still, one of the best ways to allay any concerns that you may have is to simply ask your dentist, “Do I really need a root canal?”
A good dentist will always be happy to explain why the procedure is necessary in your individual case. That explanation is likely to include one or more of the following facts:
The Procedure is Needed to Support Other Restorative Dentistry Treatment
Often, the dentist may recommend a root canal as part of a broader treatment strategy to restore full dental health and function. For example, there are times when the treatment needs to be performed before a dentist can install a dental implant, a bridge, or other orthodontic solutions. You may need to have a root canal prior to receiving veneers or other cosmetic treatment.
The Root Canal is Needed to Eliminate Dental Pain and other Symptoms
Sometimes, the procedure may be the only effective way to relieve certain dental problems. Irreparable tooth decay, fractures, or unresolvable sensitivity may leave you with few other options than to have the dead nerves removed so that the area can be cleaned and sealed. Your dentist should be able to explain the problem that he or she is trying to resolve, and why a root canal is the most effective solution to deal with your issue.
It’s the Last Option to Salvage Your Tooth
Symptoms are one thing; ongoing dental damage is quite another. The fact is that dentists wouldn’t perform such invasive procedures if there weren’t real dental issues at stake. The whole goal of a root canal is to salvage the healthy part of the tooth and avoid the need for an implant or other restorative techniques. That isn’t always possible, of course, but the goal is still a worthy one. More importantly, these procedures are needed to prevent even worse decay, infection, and tooth loss. That tooth you save may just be the key to preventing the loss of other nearby teeth in the future.
The bottom line is clear: root canals are a vital tool in any dentist’s treatment toolbox – but they’re not a tool that dentists take for granted. If your dental professional suggests that you need this procedure to further your dental care, that recommendation deserves serious consideration. However, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with the treatment recommendation, so be sure to ask questions to ensure that you understand why the procedure is your best option. That can give you the peace of mind you deserve, and reduce any anxiety that you may feel about your dental treatment plan.