If you are told you need a root canal, this is because there is an infection or inflammation that has reached the root of a tooth so that the tooth can be saved. The treatment for a root canal is relatively straightforward and conducted by an endodontist or general dentist who are both trained to perform this type of procedure. A root canal treatment involves the careful removal of the pulp (blood vessels), cleansing of the pulp and root canals and a final placement of a sealant to close in the empty pump chamber space.
Prior to treatment of the root canal, you will receive local anesthesia from the endodontist to ensure that your tooth is completely numb preventing any pain from occurring during the procedure. He or she will test prior to beginning the root canal that nothing feels sharp or rough. In the event that it does, he or she may give you more local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable. Some individuals tend to have a more difficult time getting numb; if you believe you are one of these individuals, please notify the provider so that he or she can be made aware of this to ensure comfort during your visit.
Are root canals harmful?
Over the summer of 2021, an Instagram post was made providing a false claim that a root canal can harm the body’s immune system. However, this is not true and the post has since been removed from social media. To further explain, research has been shown that root canals do not impair the immune system seeing as a root canal removes the infected pulpal tissue from teeth resulting in a functioning tooth. On the other hand, if infection or bacteria were not removed with the treatment of a root canal and were left untreated, this can cause serious consequences, or even death. This is why it is so important not to delay any tooth pain, or root canal therapy if you are experiencing pain or know a root canal is needed. An associate professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics at the University of the Pacific’s Dugoni School of Dentistry told USA TODAY regarding impairment of root canals on the immune system “I don’t think that there’s any evidence supporting this at all.” If root canals were not successful, it would stand true that individuals who have undergone root canal therapy would be at an increased risk of disease, of which there is no evidence of this confirming that root canals are safe and do not alter the immune system.
Questions?
At the end of the day, root canal therapy has been practiced for years and years, which has been known to be successful. It is a safe and effective form of treatment when a tooth or multiple teeth need to be saved. At Mile High Smiles, we offer root canal treatment in our office and will take excellent care of you in the event you need this procedure. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
