About Root Canals

When you think of the phrase “root canal,” what comes to mind? For many Americans, they aren’t positive thoughts—that’s for sure!

Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics—the dental specialty that deals with tooth nerves. This procedure is all about repairing and saving teeth that are badly decayed and infected—and the nerves of your teeth are at the root of the issue (no pun intended!).

When a tooth becomes infected, the infected nerves need to be removed somehow. If left untreated, the pain isn’t the worst part—an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw.

The Root Canal Process

The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean this canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and prevent the tooth from fracturing.

It’s Not As Scary as It Sounds!

While the phrase “root canal” has struck fear in the hearts of many patients, the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology and comfort have made it much less frightening today. Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. While there may be some soreness following the procedure, that’s normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any discomfort afterward, but your dentist may prescribe medication as well.

Here’s the good news: a successful root canal will relieve you from pain caused by infected nerves, allowing you to fully enjoy all the foods you love. Heat, cold, and biting strongly will no longer adversely affect your tooth like they did before. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your oral health has been preserved!

Are You Experiencing Tooth Pain Today?

If so, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Give The Hills Dental Care a call, and we’ll examine your troublemaking tooth and determine the best course of action. Just know that if the plan includes a root canal, don’t worry—we’ll keep you safe and comfortable as we fix your tooth effectively. That’s what we’re here for!