I understand your reluctance. Root canal treatments get a bad reputation. Many people only hear about them when they’re already in pain from a badly infected or inflamed tooth. They also take longer and cost more than a regular filling, and no one likes being told they need one. Some people also worry about having a “dead tooth” in their mouth and what they’ve heard online about that.
In reality, root canal treatments are tried, tested, and reliable. When I perform one, I remove the infected tissue and bacteria by shaping the canals and using disinfecting solutions. What’s left is still your own tooth, now comfortable and functional.
Sometimes, if a tooth is too broken down, removing it and placing an implant is a better option. A tooth that “doesn’t hurt” may already be non-vital but still infected. Doing nothing is always a choice, but leaving infection in your mouth is never a good one. Stay sexy, stay fresh Nanaimo!
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, so the best answer for you comes from an exam and a conversation with your dental team.
