Although many patients feel nervous about undergoing a root canal, this standard procedure can often be the best way to alleviate a severe or persistent toothache or to treat a tooth infection before it progresses or spreads.
But did you know that this treatment has also been scientifically linked to health benefits that go above and beyond ‘just’ improving your dental condition? Continue reading to learn more about 3 additional advantages of getting a root canal!
Benefit #1: Reduce Inflammation
This treatment is often used to address dental problems, such as infections, which can occur when bacteria from your mouth penetrate your enamel or the root of your tooth. Eventually, they reach the tender pulp inside, triggering a painful infection that often causes a severe or persistent ache.
Not only that, but if left untreated for too long, the disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body. This can trigger inflammatory defense responses that can potentially contribute to other serious health concerns, like diabetes or heart problems. That means treating the infection with a root canal before it spreads can help protect your oral and overall well-being.
Benefit #2: Help Manage Diabetes
Did you know that oral issues have also been scientifically linked with diabetes? This chronic condition is characterized by high blood sugar levels that occur when your body doesn’t produce or use insulin as intended. Without enough insulin, glucose (or blood sugar) levels build up in the blood, which damages blood vessels and reduces blood oxygen levels and flow.
A chronic infection in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and make matters that much worse. Meanwhile, studies have discovered that after a root canal, blood sugar levels drop significantly, which can help you manage long-term health concerns, such as diabetes.
Benefit #3: Prevent Potential Heart Problems
An oral infection that enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body, and damages your blood vessels, can also contribute to progressive heart issues. Bacteria responsible for gum disease and tooth infections can form plaque in the blood vessels, which can eventually cause the arteries to become harder and narrower. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other issues, which might have been avoided by addressing the dental disease before it could spread.
As you can see, improving your oral health with a root canal can enhance your dental condition while also helping prevent more serious health concerns that can affect your entire system!
Meet the Author
Dr. Christopher Capehart is passionate about helping families in Lewisville build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. Today, he uses advanced technology to offer a complete menu of services, including root canals, to patients of all ages, so you and your loved ones all receive the same top-quality care. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 436-1325.