Have you ever wondered why a root canal is performed?
More than 41,000 root canals are performed daily and more than 15 million root canals are performed each year, making it one of the most common dental procedures performed in the US. Unfortunately, there is a whopping 15 percent of people in the US that avoid seeing the dentist because of fears or misconceptions. Our Asheville and Hendersonville, NC, dentists want to dispel these misconceptions so that you can get the care you need for a healthier smile.
A Root Canal is Invasive
A root canal is performed when a structure inside the tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen when bacteria get into the tooth through a crack or fracture. Traumatic injury and severe decay can also lead to irritated pulp. When this occurs a root canal must be performed.
A Root Canal is Painful
Another misconception! Despite what you might have heard, a root canal does not cause pain. In fact, it does the opposite: it removes the part of the tooth that is causing you pain. The pulp is the only part of the tooth that contains nerves, so when the pulp is infected or inflamed this is the cause of your severe toothache. By removing the pulp, our Asheville and Hendersonville, NC, restorative dentist will eliminate your pain. Some people even experience immediate relief after the root canal.
How a Root Canal Can be Beneficial for Your Smile
A root canal is not an elective procedure; therefore, if your dentist tells you that you need root canal treatment it’s important that you follow through. Maintaining your own natural teeth, whenever possible, is the best thing you can do for your smile and getting a root canal can preserve your smile.
Some of the advantages of a root canal include,
- Strength and resilience are restored to the tooth
- Chewing is improved and more stable
- Biting forces are also restored
- Improved appearance
- Prevents further wear or damage to the tooth
- Can save you time and money in the long run (as compared to a tooth extraction)
- Preserves your natural tooth
Whether you have questions about getting root canal treatment or you just need to schedule your next dental cleaning with us, call Upwards Dental today to schedule your next visit. We provide comprehensive dental care to patients living in and around Asheville and Hendersonville, NC.
