One of your teeth has been giving your trouble for a few weeks. It’s incredibly sensitive to anything hot or cold you consume, not to mention it hurts when you bite down too hard. Eventually this pain got too unbearable, so you saw your dentist, who said you need a root canal in Burlington. You’ve heard that root canals can be scary and painful. You’d rather avoid the whole thing by just getting the tooth pulled instead. But is that really the better option? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a Root Canal?
When it has been decided that you need a root canal, your dentist will first numb the area with local anesthetic. Thanks to this step, your procedure should feel no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Next, your dentist will access the center of your tooth, known as the dental pulp. They will remove the damaged or decayed portion, disinfect the tooth, and then seal it back up. Finally, the tooth is normally topped with a filling or crown, as root canal therapy often leaves the tooth fragile.
How Can You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
If you find yourself with any of the following symptoms, it’s best to contact your emergency dentist in Burlington right away for treatment:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Pain when biting down
- Pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
- Dark discoloration of the tooth or its surrounding gum tissue
Why Should You Choose a Root Canal Instead of an Extraction?
If the tooth can still be saved, your dentist will recommend a root canal rather than an extraction more often than not. In more than 90% of cases, teeth that are treated with root canal therapy go on to last the rest of a patient’s life.
Whenever possible, you should always try to keep your natural teeth. Getting the tooth extracted will leave a gap in your mouth that, if it’s a front tooth, can create an unsightly space in your smile. Additionally, your remaining teeth may drift into the gap, resulting in bite problems and even TMJ disorder. Lastly, a root canal is significantly less expensive than getting your tooth pulled and replaced with a bridge or dental implant.
Even though you might be nervous about getting a root canal in Burlington, it should be noted that it is one of the safest, most effective dental treatments for a damaged tooth. As long as you take care of your tooth with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups afterward, it should last for decades to come!
About the Author
Dr. James Kostas has been serving the dental needs of the Burlington, MA community for well over 20 years now. He has earned a Fellowship status with both the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Implant Association. He also is more than happy to provide root canal therapy to treat your intense tooth pain. If you experience any of the symptoms described above, give Dr. Kostas’ office a call at (781) 272-0441.
