The idea of having a root canal can make anyone nervous.
Many people don't know what to expect and have a million questions.
Will it hurt? How is the procedure performed? Will it take a long time to recover? Root canals - the procedure of removing the infected pulp tissue inside a tooth - are one of the most feared procedures in dentistry, but this smile saving procedure is both simple and painless.
There are many myths about this procedure out there, here a few important facts.
Don't Be Fooled if the Pain Goes Away Infected tooth pulp is comprised of blood vessels and nerves that can be painful.
However, if the pain goes away, this does not mean that the infection has gone away.
As the infection progresses, pulp begins to die and so the pain often subsides.
Still other symptoms persist like facial swelling, oozing pulp, and tooth sensitivity to heat and cold.
If you are experiencing consistent tooth pain or any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek treatment.
Root Canal Treatment is Generally Pain Free This treatment is an effective and generally pain free experience.
Most times the procedure begins just like you were having an ordinary filling.
An anesthetic is administered which numbs the tooth and the surrounding area.
A tiny hole is drilled into the cavity and small tools are used to scoop out the infected pulp.
Afterwards, any residual pain can usually be treated with an over the counter pain reliever.
Antibiotics Can't Replace Treatment Antibiotics are not a permanent solution to infected pulp.
Although antibiotics treat bacterial infections, they only work when reaching the infection site through the blood.
However, the pulp is located within the root canal and antibiotics can't get to the pulp.
A Variety of Things Can Make a Root Canal Necessary Patients may need root canals for several reasons.
Tooth pulp could become infected due to negligence in care, a major cavity could spread to a vulnerable tooth, and a serious trauma to the mouth could crack the tooth or expose the nerve.
It Can't Wait People who wait long periods before seeking root canal treatment risk making symptoms worse and damage more significant.
A pulp infection can lead to bone disintegration, greater infection to other teeth, painful abscesses, and eventually the loss of the tooth.
The Procedure Requires Multiple Visit The extent of the infection will dictate how many visits a patient will need to make.
During the first visit, the dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth and remove pulp.
Then a temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the canal is filled.
Root canals are safe and simple procedures that are generally pain free.
If you are experiencing persistent pain in your tooth, do not wait for treatment.
Many people don't know what to expect and have a million questions.
Will it hurt? How is the procedure performed? Will it take a long time to recover? Root canals - the procedure of removing the infected pulp tissue inside a tooth - are one of the most feared procedures in dentistry, but this smile saving procedure is both simple and painless.
There are many myths about this procedure out there, here a few important facts.
Don't Be Fooled if the Pain Goes Away Infected tooth pulp is comprised of blood vessels and nerves that can be painful.
However, if the pain goes away, this does not mean that the infection has gone away.
As the infection progresses, pulp begins to die and so the pain often subsides.
Still other symptoms persist like facial swelling, oozing pulp, and tooth sensitivity to heat and cold.
If you are experiencing consistent tooth pain or any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek treatment.
Root Canal Treatment is Generally Pain Free This treatment is an effective and generally pain free experience.
Most times the procedure begins just like you were having an ordinary filling.
An anesthetic is administered which numbs the tooth and the surrounding area.
A tiny hole is drilled into the cavity and small tools are used to scoop out the infected pulp.
Afterwards, any residual pain can usually be treated with an over the counter pain reliever.
Antibiotics Can't Replace Treatment Antibiotics are not a permanent solution to infected pulp.
Although antibiotics treat bacterial infections, they only work when reaching the infection site through the blood.
However, the pulp is located within the root canal and antibiotics can't get to the pulp.
A Variety of Things Can Make a Root Canal Necessary Patients may need root canals for several reasons.
Tooth pulp could become infected due to negligence in care, a major cavity could spread to a vulnerable tooth, and a serious trauma to the mouth could crack the tooth or expose the nerve.
It Can't Wait People who wait long periods before seeking root canal treatment risk making symptoms worse and damage more significant.
A pulp infection can lead to bone disintegration, greater infection to other teeth, painful abscesses, and eventually the loss of the tooth.
The Procedure Requires Multiple Visit The extent of the infection will dictate how many visits a patient will need to make.
During the first visit, the dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth and remove pulp.
Then a temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the canal is filled.
Root canals are safe and simple procedures that are generally pain free.
If you are experiencing persistent pain in your tooth, do not wait for treatment.