Being told by an endodontist that you need to have a root canal performed is never a fun prospect. In fact, many patients put the treatment off for as long as possible. But this can be a mistake for multiple reasons; the fact of the matter is that you’re better off having a root canal performed as soon as you can. Below is a quick look at why root canal treatment is important and why you shouldn’t delay it any more than necessary.
What is a Root Canal Treatment and Why Might You Need One?
Root canal treatment is a procedure where the pulp inside your tooth is removed. Once said pulp has been taken out, the inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to make sure that there isn’t any remaining bacteria that could cause further problems. The treated tooth will be restored with a dental crown for its protection.
You may need a root canal treatment if your tooth is badly infected. Signs that the procedure might be required include severe tooth pain, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, a darkened tooth, and swollen gums.
Why Should You Have Your Root Canal Treatment Performed as Soon as Possible?
Delaying your root canal treatment can lead to a number of consequences. Here’s why it’s better to have the procedure performed in a timely manner:
- You Can Use Your Current Dental Insurance Benefits: You can use your dental insurance plan to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your root canal treatment. By having the procedure done now, you can take advantage of your current benefits before they reset at the end of the year; you also won’t have to worry about your deductible (assuming that you’ve already met it).
- You Can Give Yourself a Better Chance of Saving the Tooth: If an infected tooth isn’t treated in time, it may become unsalvageable, forcing you to have it extracted. Keeping your natural teeth whenever possible is always the better choice for your oral health, so you should save your tooth with a root canal treatment while you still can.
- You Can Stop the Infection from Spreading: An infection in your tooth can eventually spread to other parts of your mouth, leading to fever, facial swelling, and other unpleasant symptoms. In extreme cases, it can even result in a life-threatening condition called sepsis. It is therefore best to get rid of the infection long before the worst can happen.
Since delaying your root canal treatment can ultimately do more harm than good, why put it off at all? Make arrangements with your endodontist to have the procedure performed as soon as possible.
About the Practice
At JC Endodontics Root Canal Specialists, our endodontic experts share a passion for saving smiles with comfortable root canal treatments. We offer same-day appointments in emergency situations so that our patients can put a stop to their tooth pain as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation at our New York City office, visit our website or call (212) 737-6112.