In today’s world of social media and an ever-expanding blogosphere, it can be hard to discern fact from fiction. For example, if you search the internet for information about root canals, you may encounter claims that the treatment is unsafe or harmful to your health. However, according to the American Association of Endodontists, 25 million root canals are performed safely and effectively every year, eliminating dental pain and saving natural teeth. If you want the truth about the safety of root canals in Westmont, keep reading below.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a surgical procedure to repair and save severely damaged or infected teeth. The treatment targets the soft tissue inside the root canal that contains nerves, known as the pulp. When this soft tissue becomes infected it can cause extreme dental pain and, if not treated, may ultimately require a tooth extraction.
Is Root Canal Therapy Safe?
Thanks to advances in modern medicine, techniques and technology, root canal therapy is a more reliable and successful treatment than ever before.
However, some websites on the internet still spread misinformation about the safety of endodontic treatment. They say that research has linked root canal therapy with an increased risk of serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease or arthritis.
These misleading claims are often based on a poorly-designed study published 100 years ago that has long been debunked. According to the American Association of Endodontists, there is no valid, scientific evidence that links root canal therapy with diseases elsewhere in the body. In fact, a 2013 study found that patients with multiple endodontic treatments actually have a 45% reduced risk of cancer.
In sum: you do not need to worry. Getting a root canal is a safe and effective way to eliminate severe dental pain and save a damaged or infected tooth.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should talk to a dentist in Westmont about root canal therapy:
- Severe pain, especially when chewing
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Tooth discoloration
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Inflamed or irritated gum tissue around a single tooth
Root canal therapy is not recommended for every case of dental pain. Your dentist will review the condition of your teeth and mouth and, in consultation with you, recommend the best course of treatment.
While getting a root canal is often joked about as a painful experience, the procedure is actually designed to relieve extreme dental pain and save infected teeth. If you are suffering from severe toothaches or any of the above symptoms, talk to a dentist today about this safe and reliable treatment.
About the Practice
An experienced and dedicated duo, Doctors Jason Hong and Kathy Lam help patients in Westmont and surrounding communities achieve and maintain healthy smiles. They offer a wide range of general and family dentistry services at their conveniently-located private practice, including root canal therapy. Patients suffering from extreme dental pain can contact Doctors Hong and Lam via their website or by calling 630-789-1555 to schedule an appointment.