Why You Shouldn’t Delay a Recommended Root Canal

Few dental treatments send people into hiding faster than the dreaded root canal. But trust us, they really aren’t that bad. In fact, it’s a relatively painless procedure that stops your symptoms immediately.

Advancements in dentistry have made root canals straightforward and easy for patients. And they’re so common, American dentists perform more than 41,000 root canals each day.

In this blog, Dr. Sabrina E. Mickel in Beachwood, Ohio, explains how root canals save teeth — and why you shouldn’t delay getting treatment. 

And if you’re one of the 36% of Americans living with dental fear or anxiety, you can still breathe easy. Dr. Mickel can keep you comfortable every step of the way while you get this tooth-saving treatment. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Root canal basics

If you need a root canal, a cavity or infection has reached the nerve deep inside your tooth. 

This treatment is different from standard fillings because it involves an extra step. It treats the infection within your tooth and removes damaged tissue all the way down to the roots. However, the process starts similarly to filling a cavity.

First, Dr. Mickel numbs the affected area completely. This ensures that you don’t feel a thing during your procedure. But you know what’s even better? It also eliminates any pain you were having leading up to your appointment.

Once your mouth becomes numb, Dr. Mickel drills a tiny hole in your tooth. This opening allows her to insert special tools to clean the interior of the tooth and its root canals. She can also remove bacteria and infected tissue. 

After Dr. Mickel cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, she dries it out. Then, she refills it with a rubber-like dental material. This creates a protective seal over the hole to prevent infection. 

Finally, Dr. Mickel restores the appearance and function of your tooth with a filling or a crown, which also provides protection.

Why to schedule your root canal now

When you undergo a root canal, it not only removes the infection, but it also saves your tooth. This may not sound like much, but missing even a single tooth can weaken the integrity and function of your jaw and mouth. 

If you ignore a root canal, the infection can spread deep into the gums and jaw. 

When an oral infection spreads beyond a tooth, it causes a painful dental abscess. This is basically a pocket of pus, along with symptoms like pain, inflammation, swelling, and fever. 

Without treatment, the infection from an abscess can spread further. In some cases, it can even become life-threatening, especially for people with a weakened or compromised immune system. 

Dr. Mickel can treat abscesses by draining the pus and prescribing medications to clear the infection. However, she usually has to extract the tooth if the damage is too severe.

Taking action to avoid complications

At the end of the day, you need a root canal to save your tooth. And, if you want to avoid more serious complications, you can’t wait. 

Plus, getting treatment early makes the entire process easier. Need another reason? Earlier interventions often cost less money because you solve a problem before it requires more extensive dental work. 

Do you have a toothache? Worried that you need a root canal? Don’t wait any longer. Schedule a consultation today with  Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, by calling 216-510-9974 or requesting a visit online.