Do You Need a Root Canal? Don’t Get Needlessly Nervous

Dentist Blog

Strangely enough, it's often those who have not had a root canal that is the most alarmed at the thought of one. Those who have had one already know that they are safe, pain-free, and important for their dental health. Get the right idea about a root canal by reading below.

What Can a Root Canal Do For Me?

While it's true that dental science gives patients many ways to restore and replace a bad tooth, it's always preferable to fix a tooth rather than remove it. With that in mind, a tooth that has suffered from a break, chip, or decay may not be stable enough for just a filling. Once a tooth is damaged, you will know about it because of the pain. That pain happens due to the exposed nerve in the tooth. Usually, a tooth is protected with a hard protective substance called the pulp. The main point of a root canal, then, is to remove the pulp, the nerve, and other damaged tissue from your tooth.

How Does It Feel?

Knowing why you need a root canal is one thing but many people worry about the actual procedure and what to expect. While this type of dental procedure has a reputation for being painful, that turns out to be another myth. Perhaps, at one time, dental patients did not have the anesthesia choices modern patients do. There is no reason for you to feel any pain during your root canal procedure. You may be offered pain-blocking options that range from a sedative to relax you before the procedure so you'll be completely asleep for the whole thing. What you use depends on your comfort level, your general health, and the advice of your dentist.

What Else Should You Know About Root Canals? 

1. While the pain can be controlled and these procedures have been performed for a long, long time, it is still considered minor dental surgery. Discuss the potential complications with your dentist before the procedure.
2. When you have an invasive procedure like a root canal, there is always a small chance of an infection occurring. In most cases, an antibiotic can be prescribed before the surgery if you have a health condition that makes an infection a more serious problem. Speak about this with your dentist.

What Happens Next?

What is left after a root canal is a partial natural tooth that still needs more work. Your dentist will discuss your options for the restoration of the tooth once the root canal is done. In many cases, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth for the time being so that the gums can calm down enough to put a more permanent restoration on the tooth.

Speak to your dentist to learn more about a root canal procedure. 

20 October 2021