Welcome to Kleinheinz Dentistry, where we provide root canals to help our patients living in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. Having oral pain is never a good feeling, and finding out you may need a root canal can seem more scary than the pain you may be going through. The mere mention of “root canal” can cause even the bravest of people to cringe. However, despite their notorious reputation, root canals are essential in preserving the health and beauty of your teeth. It is necessary to mention that root canals have pros and cons, like all procedures. At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we provide root canals to help our patients living in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. 

A root canal is a dental procedure to treat infection or decay in the tooth’s root system. Dentists perform this operation by removing the pulp and nerve of the tooth and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth to prevent further damage. Although root canals are known for being painful, modern techniques and anesthesia often make the process no more painful than a routine filling.

In this article, we will cover the most significant benefits of root canals and the disadvantages that may occur from the procedure to help you fully know what the pros and cons of a root canal entail for you and your smile. 

The Pros of the Root Canal Procedure

Receiving a root canal can seem intimidating and scary, but it provides several benefits for your smile. The pros of a root canal include:

• Pain Relief: Most people undergoing root canal therapy are in severe pain before treatment. Tooth infections or damage to dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) can cause excruciating pain when you bite or chew. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Root canal therapy can immediately relieve your pain by removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it to prevent reinfection.
• Saves Your Tooth: The root canal procedure entails removing the infected or damaged pulp inside your tooth and replacing it with a filling. The good news is that your natural tooth is preserved and functions like any other healthy tooth. Keeping your natural teeth is always the best option, as the alternatives, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, may be more expensive and require more complex procedures.
• Aesthetic Improvement: It’s hard to ignore the sheer joy when the dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kleinheinz, tells you your root canal is complete and your tooth is saved. Unlike implants or removable dentures, root canals blend naturally with your other teeth, giving you back your beautiful smile. You can leave the dental office without worrying about whether your tooth will look different or unnatural.
• Prevents Infection: If left untreated, dental infections can spread to your jaw, affecting other teeth and causing severe complications. A root canal is a proactive approach to getting rid of the infected pulp and preventing it from spreading. Once we remove the infected pulp, we will clean your tooth, disinfect it, and fill it, leaving a small risk of reinfection if you maintain good oral hygiene practices and follow-up appointments with your dentist.
• Cost-Effective: Regarding dental treatments, cost is crucial for most patients. Root canal therapy is a relatively affordable and cost-effective solution compared to tooth extraction or more complex procedures like dental implants or bridges. Although the cost of a root canal varies depending on factors such as location and the complexity of the process, it’s often cheaper in the long run to save a natural tooth than to replace it.

The Disadvantages of the Root Canal Treatment

Now that we have gone over the several advantages that occur when you get a root canal, it is time for us to go over the cons of this procedure. A root canal can help save your tooth; however, a few disadvantages can occur. The cons of getting a root canal include:

• Pain and Discomfort: Root canal therapy is a notoriously painful procedure, often requiring several hours of drilling, filling, and grinding. Many patients report experiencing significant discomfort and pain in the days and weeks following the process, which can be pretty debilitating. However, it is essential to note that these side effects are generally temporary, and most patients experience relief within a few days of the procedure. Dr. Jeffrey Kleinheinz may recommend painkillers to help alleviate the discomfort.
• Cost: Although root canals are considered more cost-effective, there are still some cons when pricing this procedure. Root canal therapy can be pretty expensive, especially if you do not have dental insurance. Most insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost, but you may still have a substantial out-of-pocket expense, depending on your location and the extent of the damage. But bear in mind that if you don’t undergo a root canal when you need to, the tooth might be beyond salvaging, and the tooth extraction will be the only option, which is also expensive.
• Multiple Appointments: Depending on the severity of the infection or damage, you may need to make multiple appointments to complete root canal therapy. This can be inconvenient for patients who have busy schedules or live far away from the dental clinic. The procedure may also require follow-up appointments to ensure your tooth is healing properly.
• Risk of Fracture: During the root canal therapy, Dr. Kleinheinz will remove the tooth’s nerve, leaving the tooth more fragile and prone to breaking. Upon successful treatment of the tooth, however, Dr. Kleinheinz will recommend that a crown be placed on the affected tooth to strengthen its structure.
• Long-term Care: After undergoing root canal therapy, you must avoid certain foods like hard candy to give the treated area time to heal. In addition, patients who undergo root canal therapy require regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain the tooth’s health, which can be an ongoing expense in terms of time and money.

Root Canals in Charlotte, NC

Root canal therapy is a complex dental procedure with advantages and disadvantages. While it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects and costs associated with root canal therapy, it is equally important to consider the benefits of this treatment, which can include relieving pain and saving your tooth from extraction. Root canal therapy doesn’t have to be scary, and the benefits are innumerable. You can avoid unnecessary pain and the need for more complicated treatments by opting for a root canal. 

With our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kleinheinz, you can get the necessary treatment for your smile and relieve your pain while saving your tooth. Needing a tooth extraction is never an exciting thought, but with the root canal procedure, you can save your tooth instead. Like always, strive to care for your smile through proper oral hygiene practices and visit our office twice yearly for regular dental exams and cleanings. Prevention is always the best practice to avoid needing a root canal or tooth extraction.

Ultimately, root canals may seem scary, but if you need one, you can weigh the pros and cons! However, instead of avoiding tooth canals, think of it as a proactive step to sustain the health and beauty of your teeth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleinheinz today and take the first step towards pain-free and long-lasting dental health.