Is your dentist recommending a root canal to treat infected teeth? Don’t psych yourself out unnecessarily—a root canal isn’t and shouldn’t be scary! Let’s explore further.
THE ROOT CAUSE—LET’S GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT
Root canal treatment (RCT) has a reputation for being invasive and scary, but they’re actually a simple and straightforward dental procedure. According to the American Association of Endodontics (AAE) a root canal is performed over 41,000 times a day. That makes for more than 15 million root canal treatments performed each year in the United States alone. The lifetime success rate varies from 86%-95%. This is much higher than in their early days and is practically a guarantee of optimal dental function. A root canal’s ultimate success is determined by how soon it’s performed, and the level of care provided by your dentist. What patients need to understand is that a root canal is a preventative treatment: it saves infected teeth, protects them from further damage and eliminates pain. That is the biggest benefit of a root canal. Rather than extract an infected tooth and opt for a much more invasive, expensive and time-consuming option, a root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is very important for optimal dental health.
WHY DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
A root canal is needed because the pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth, has become inflamed (pulpitis) or infected due to bacteria entering the tooth. Pulp damage can occur from a number (or combination) of several factors:
-Deep cavities: neglected tooth decay can reach the pulp, causing infection.
-Cracked or Damaged Teeth: crack or chips can expose the pulp to bacteria.
-Trauma: injury to a tooth can also damage the pulp
-Repeated Dental Procedures: Sometimes repeated dental work on a tooth can lead to pulp damage.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AS A PATIENT?
A root canal can be the solution that can get rid of:
-Pain upon chewing or biting
-Sensitivity to hot and cold
-Swollen or tender gums
-dental abscesses (pimples) on the gums
-Chipped or cracked teeth
-Discolored gums or teeth
While any dental procedure can sound painful at the onset, many people balk at the thought of getting a root canal because it requires dealing with infected nerves at the root of a tooth. This alone sounds deep and invasive, and already painful to begin with, but don’t fret. Remember, the root canal is done to eliminate pain, not create more. It is a preventative measure to save the tooth.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE
During the root canal procedure, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb your mouth, just like any other dental procedure that requires numbing. The inside of the infected tooth is then thoroughly cleaned, removing the pulp and nerve. It is disinfected and then filled and sealed to preserve its natural appearance and function. While not always necessary, a crown is often recommended after a root canal, especially for back teeth (molars and premolars) to protect and strengthen the tooth, which can become more fragile after the procedure. The suggested treatment will vary per person and situation.
It is perfectly normal to be nervous about a procedure, and your dentist knows that. Keep in mind that a root canal is not a bad thing. It actually saves the tooth, relieves pain, maintains your natural smile and prevents further complications.