Is it Okay to Put Off Root Canal Treatment?

If your dentist has told you that root canal treatment is necessary in order to save your damaged or infected tooth, you might be wondering how long you can put it off before getting the work done. It may be fear, scheduling, or other reasons that stand in your way. No matter what, you need to know the importance of timing so that your health is not jeopardized.

The first thing you must decide is what healthcare professional will perform your root canal treatment. Often, your regular dentist is able to do routine root canal therapy. Some cases are complicated though, so you may be referred to an endodontist who specializes in root canal treatment.

Once you’ve chosen your doctor, go in immediately for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is not uncommon for an infection to be present, which may spread without immediate treatment. Root canal therapy involves removing any infection inside your tooth and cleaning the area so that infection cannot spread. The longer you put off treatment, the more likely it is that the infection will worsen.

It is unlikely that root canal treatment will be performed on the same day as diagnosis. You should be able to work with the dental office to schedule your appointment at the time that is best for you. If you are experiencing severe pain associated with your tooth, the office will probably try to fit you in for treatment as soon as possible.

A painful tooth may spur you on to get root canal treatment right away. Sometimes there is no discomfort even though your tooth is damaged, so putting off treatment may be more appealing. Fear of a painful procedures causes many patients to neglect root canal therapy. Actually, most patients report that the procedure does not hurt any more than getting a regular filling. There really is no reason to put off necessary treatment, so go ahead and schedule your appointment to save your tooth.

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