Questions regarding pain are among the most commonly asked questions before going in for root canal treatment. However, apart from these, there are several other questions about a root canal that you should ask your dentist. This HealthHearty article lists a few of the most important questions to ask.
Myth
Tooth extraction is a better alternative to root canal treatment.
Fact
Saving your natural tooth is always a better option. Removing a natural tooth, or replacing it with an artificial one, may put restrictions on the consumption of certain foods.
A root canal procedure can be scary if you know nothing about this form of treatment. If you have to undergo a root canal, then no doubt you will have a lot of questions, and to ease your mind, it is important that you clear all your doubts before the procedure.
As mentioned earlier, pain is the most common concern people have when going for a root canal, because almost all of us associate a root canal with excruciating pain. However, those days of pain are gone; thanks to the new technologies and treatment methods that ease the entire process and make it almost painless. There are certain misconceptions about root canal treatment, one of them being that it can cause other illnesses and diseases.
Well, according to the latest studies in this field, this is a myth based on poorly done research and does not have any scientific evidence. According to the claim, the bacteria that are trapped between the teeth during a root canal could spread to other parts of the body and cause serious diseases, like arthritis, heart disease, kidney diseases, etc. Therefore, extraction was recommended instead of endodontic treatment. However, this was the case when the real causes of the above-mentioned diseases were undefined. In fact, bacteria are present in the mouth and body at all times, and some types of bacteria are even essential for the body to function normally. Thus, just the presence of bacteria does not indicate infection.
Today, it is better to opt for a root canal and save the tooth, rather than opt for an extraction and get a false tooth. In fact, if a root canal can save the tooth, most dentists will insist on a root canal as opposed to an extraction.
If it is your turn to be in the dentist’s chair for a root canal, then obviously you must be a tad frightened, more so if this is your first root canal. Before the procedure, you should have a talk with your dentist, ask him to explain the treatment to you, and clear any doubts you might have. Do not hesitate to ask him whatever is on your mind regarding the procedure; your root canal will go easier if you are mentally relaxed.
Important Questions To Ask Your Dentist About Root Canal Treatment
Here are a few questions that you can start off with, but remember, as mentioned before, do not hesitate to ask anything you can think of related to the procedure.
- What is a root canal?
- Will it hurt more than an extraction?
- Why can you not perform an extraction?
- Are there any other alternatives besides a root canal?
- What can happen if I don’t get the root canal treatment done?
- Are there any complications associated with this treatment?
- What is the filling material used for the treatment?
- How much will the root canal cost?
- Can I eat before the treatment?
- What is the recovery time for root canal treatment?
- Will the pain that I am experiencing now subside immediately after the root canal?
- Will I have to take any medications to relieve post-surgical pain?
- How long will my natural tooth last after the treatment?
- Is there any other treatment if the root canal does not reduce the pain?
- Will there be a need of some sort of regular maintenance after a root canal?
- Do I need to make any alterations in my diet?
- When can I resume my normal diet?
- How long will the treatment last? Will it take more than one visit?
- What happens to the tooth after the treatment?
- Does the treatment cost cover a crown or cap if needed?
- If it is the front tooth/teeth, will it affect my appearance?
- How much of the cost will be covered by my insurance?
- Post treatment, will I require a crown, or can I leave the tooth as is?
These days, you should not worry too much about a root canal, as advancements in medicine have made it possible for this treatment method to be almost entirely painless. Most people avoid going to the dentist, in the belief that he will advise painful treatment. However, instead of avoiding the dentist and risking your pearly whites further, make sure you ask the dentist everything about the treatment he is prescribing.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.
