Here’s Why You Won’t Regret Getting a Root Canal

Tornadoes, tsunamis, cobras, root canals…some scary stuff out there in the world, right? But a couple of these things don’t necessarily belong. A snake expert could certainly make a case for cobras, but the focus of this post is to defend the root canal – a procedure that’s gotten a bad rap in popular culture. If your dentist in Buffalo Grove recommended you get one, have no fear – the vast majority of people who have undergone the treatment would recommend it to you! Read on to learn why it’s the right decision for your smile.

The Root Canal Definitely Has Its Proponents

For her Ph.D. thesis at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), dentist Emma Wigsten found that 87 percent of patients who have undergone a root canal would choose the same treatment again if they needed one. She studied 243 patients who had all started the treatment and followed up with them for 1-3 years.

Half of the patients stated they had mild pain or discomfort from their root-filled tooth during the follow-up period. Nevertheless, the great majority (87 percent) were satisfied. They did not regret their choice to get root canal treatment instead of a tooth extraction.

Another component study at six public dental clinics in Region Västra Götaland focused on 85 patients in whom either the treatment was started or a tooth was removed. Improved health-related quality of life was observed in the patients who started root canal treatment, but not in those who underwent a tooth extraction.

“The studies show that these patients’ quality of life benefited from root canal treatment,” Wigsten concluded.

Why Is It Important to Get a Root Canal?

There are many reasons why you should get a root canal if you are told you need one. Here are five to consider:

• Your tooth could be infected and even be dying.
• Root canals are designed to relieve pain, not cause it.
• If the pain resolves itself, that’s a bad sign.
• Left untreated, your situation can (and will) worsen.
• The procedure can save your natural tooth.

So, if you are scheduled to have a root canal, turn that frown upside down. It’s going to help you feel better! Be sure to ask your dentist in Buffalo Grove any questions about it, because they’ll reassure you it’s in the best interest of your oral health and your comfort.

About the Author

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois. She is an active member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Nagornaya dedicates time to seminars and continuing education courses so that she can stay current on all the latest developments in dentistry for the benefit of her patients. If you need root canal therapy, she has well over a decade of experience in restorative dentistry, happily accepts dental insurance, offers CareCredit financing, and is even currently cutting 20 percent off dental treatments! Schedule a consultation on her website, but if the pain has you feeling like it’s an emergency, call (847) 634-2525.