By EKalman January 11, 2023 - 2:30am

Anyone would be terrified if they were informed they needed a root canal, so why is this common and successful dental operation so reviled? There are several explanations, the most common of which is that most dental patients have heard from someone that it will cause discomfort and therefore avoid it at all costs. Some people may have heard rumors that the tooth becomes black after the procedure. Here is a list of six facts about a root canal procedure that you should know about.

1. Even if your pain goes away, you can still require a root canal
Many people try to live with a toothache and avoid going to the dentist for a variety of reasons. When bacteria attack the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, you feel pain. If you delay treatment for too long, the pulp may die and the pain may go away, but the infection may spread to the roots. As a result, consult your dentist as soon as you notice pain or discomfort so that your infection doesn’t read.

2. Every tooth has one or more root canals
Although "root canal" is the term for a procedure, the phrase really describes a particular tooth structure. The root structure is located under the surface of each tooth. The roots attach the tooth to the jaw, providing it with the strength and stability needed to bite or eat. Each tooth has a pulp chamber, which descends into the root canals.

Dental pulp can be found in every root canal. It is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The number of canals varies by tooth type. For example, your front canines and incisors are used for biting and normally have one root canal, but your rear molars are utilized for chewing and can have up to four canals.

3. Root canal treatment requires one or two appointments
A root canal procedure can be done in as little as one or two sessions. A follow-up appointment may be required to ensure that the tooth is okay after the surgery. Whereas tooth extraction necessitates many visits due to the need for dental implants to prevent the adjacent teeth from moving. As a result, the number of visits necessary for endodontic therapy is determined by the condition of the tooth.

4. Root canal therapy should not be painful
Pain and root canal procedures are usually associated. The purpose of dental surgery is to relieve pain, not to create it. You'll have a local anesthetic to make the tooth and affected region as comfortable as possible before the treatment. The treatment should feel more like filling a cavity.

5. Root canals are cost-effective
You may be perplexed as to how root canal therapy might save you money over extractions. In brief, a root canal can save you money on orthodontics, fillings, crowns, and even bone shrinkage. Assume you removed the infected tooth, leaving a gap that has to be repaired.

A bridge, partial denture, or dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth. If the gap is not filled, the gums and jaw will recede, potentially resulting in misalignment of the neighboring teeth, which may need the use of a brace. A gap is more prone to acquire plaque and may increase the likelihood of cavities, therefore having a root canal is well worth it!

6. Root canal treatment is not a permanent solution
With proper care and maintenance, root canal treatment and crowns can endure for more than 15 years. However, it does not completely protect your teeth from potential harm caused by cavities or gum disease. As a result, you must take additional care of your teeth and maintain your oral cavity clean at all times. Always see your dentist at least once every six months to avoid future damage.