Many people put off going to the dentist as long as possible, despite knowing the benefits of getting regular checkups. For those who are lucky enough to have naturally healthy teeth and gums, this may not result in any short-term consequences. That said, if you are experiencing symptoms that signal a root canal may be in order — swollen or tender gums, long-lasting sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and pain while chewing — you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. Keep reading below for just three reasons why doing so is not only convenient but crucial to your oral health.

Further Decay and Infection

Unfortunately, you can't count on the decay that makes a root canal necessary in the first place to suddenly stop. Some people assume that if they improve their habits — eating healthier foods and brushing their teeth more regularly, for example — that the pain and the decay that causes it will gradually disappear. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only will the decay worsen if left untreated, but it may begin to affect your gums and, in severe cases, your bones themselves. In fact, many people are unaware that infections in other parts of their bodies can originate with tooth decay. While this might be rare, there is no point in risking your health by putting off a necessary root canal.

Painless Procedure

Those who experience only minor pain because of decay might put off seeing their dentist because they assume that the process of getting a root canal is horribly painful. Contrary to this assumption, root canals are not only routine but relatively pain-free. While there may be some mild discomfort after the fact, the anesthesia the dentist administers will prevent you from feeling the tooth removal itself. It's hard to argue that such a procedure, even if it induces a bit of anxiety, is more painful than the pain you experience from a rotting tooth or infection.

Appearance

Another reason you should stop putting off a root canal is how normal your teeth will look immediately afterward. Dentists have no shortage of experience scraping away infected tooth pulp, sealing off the previously infected area, and then replacing your old tooth with a brand new crown that looks exactly like a real tooth. Other than your dentist, it's highly unlikely anybody will know that you had a root canal performed at all.

Contact a dentist for more information regarding root canals. 

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