Your oral health is an essential factor that affects your overall health. For this reason, it’s important that we’re getting our regular check ups and treating any existing problems. That being said, sometimes we may not agree with the diagnosis or treatment plan that our dentists give us. For instance, if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, you may ask yourself, is a root canal really necessary? To better understand this dental procedure, we have to look at why they’re important, how to recognize when you don’t need them, and when to get a second opinion.
Why Root Canals Are Important
The purpose of a root canal is to remove infections in the soft tissue of the tooth. This procedure, although many people are nervous to do it, helps to relieve the painful symptoms that come with an infected tooth. In fact, many people have stated that the pain from the infected tooth was actually worse than the actual procedure. Aside from relieving the symptoms, root canals are important because they prevent the infected tooth from falling out.
Reasons You May Not Need a Root Canal
If you’re doubting that you actually need a root canal, take a look at some of the possible reasons that may apply to you.
- Lack of symptoms: If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal but you’re not experiencing any of the common symptoms, you may be hesitant about having the procedure. The common symptoms of an infected tooth include: tooth pain and sensitivity, swollen gums, and discolored tooth.
- Your tooth is fractured: Although root canals help preserve the infected tooth, the process makes the tooth more fragile. If you have a fractured tooth, it may not be strong enough for a root canal. That’s why an x-ray should be done beforehand to identify any fractures.
- The canal is already calcified: This happens when the body tries to naturally heal itself. When this occurs, the body hardens the root and pulp in an attempt to fight the infection. This makes it hard for the dentist to successfully remove the infected area, which is why alternative solutions should be considered.
When to Get a Second Opinion for Your Root Canal
If you’re not thrilled with the idea of getting a root canal, or you just don’t believe that you truly need it, then you can always get a second opinion from a dentist. By getting a second opinion, you can feel more comfortable with deciding whether or not you want to get the root canal. At Look at My Tooth, getting a second opinion from a board certified dentist is easy. All you have to do is enter your phone number, answer a few questions, send in your x-rays, and an experienced dentist will give you a second opinion based on your specific situation.
