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7 Shocking Facts About Root Canals

Many sedentary adults get impacted teeth, dental discomfort, and fractured fillings on a regular basis. Fortunately, root canals provide a quick fix for this issue.

By Max RubyPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Impacted teeth, tooth sensitivity, and cracked fillings are all a part of everyday life for many people who lead sedentary lifestyles. Thankfully, root canals offer a simple solution to this problem. Root canals remove bacteria trapped in your tooth's root without damaging the surrounding bone or tissue. So while they may not seem ideal, they do more good than harm-and there are numerous benefits to having one done!

Today we'll look closely at 7 shocking facts about root canals

1. They May Not Be As Bad as You Think

It's no secret that root canals can sometimes cause pain and other issues, but they may not be as bad as you think. With regular dental visits and regular cleaning, they are unlikely to cause any long-term damage. It's also rare for root canals to reoccur, meaning that your risk of tooth decay is significantly reduced, along with the potential for painful jaw fractures from clenching down on your teeth.

2. Some People Don’t Even Need Them

The only part of the tooth that should be impacted is the root portion - so if that isn't the case, it may not be necessary to do a root canal. It's a good idea to visit your dentist if possible; from there, you can determine whether or not a root canal is required.

3. What They Do to Your Tooth

During a root canal, the dentist drills down into the infected pulp of your tooth. A unique chemical is then carefully applied to destroy all bacteria, which are removed and discarded as waste. Next, the tooth is cleaned out and filled with an inert material (such as gutta-percha) to prevent the recurrence of decay or other damage. Finally, a crown or cap is attached over the top of your tooth while the filling fully sets up. Root canal experts are skilled at performing root canals, but if you are concerned about them we recommend finding a dentist who is properly equipped to handle the procedure.

4. They Can Make Your Teeth Stronger

If any other teeth are required or need to be extracted and replaced, the root of the tooth can be made much more robust than a traditional filling. This is because, during the root canal procedure, the dentist removes all of the infected tissue inside your tooth. Some people are wary of visiting a dentist because they think it will cause pain-but it's entirely painless for most people.

5. They Don’t Hurt After They’re Done

Many patients report feeling "zingy" or numb in their jaw after a root canal treatment, but this feeling lasts only a short period-at least two or three days.

6. Why Were They Invented in the First Place

A dentist performed the first root canal procedure in 1788, so it's been around for quite some time. They were an invention of necessity, as early dentists often had to remove the infected pulp from the roots of your teeth to prevent the recurrence of disease and decay.

7. Why They’re So Popular Today

Today, root canals are routinely recommended for anyone suffering from tooth pain or sensitivity. This is due to advancements in medicating and treating your teeth that have made root canals much less painful than they used to be, as well as advances in restorative materials that have allowed them to be lighter and more robust.

Conclusion

If you suffer from tooth decay or chronic tooth pain, consider getting a root canal. You can do some things on your own to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, such as seeing your dentist in person every six months for a cleaning. Doing this increases your overall dental health and decreases your risk of potentially needing a root canal in the future.

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