If your dentist recommends root canal therapy for your teeth, you may be apprehensive as root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful. However, it is important to remember that a root canal is a standard dental treatment, and your dentist will ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is often suggested if no other dental treatment will be able to save a tooth. The treatment is very successful, and with proper dental care and oral hygiene, the results will be able to last a lifetime. Your dentist may recommend a root canal if:

• The decay of a tooth has reach inside of the tooth to the pulp
• There is an abscess or infection inside of the tooth or at the root tip
• If a tooth has sustained a substantial trauma or injury

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Your dentist may take an X-ray of your teeth to evaluate the size and shape of the root canal and to gauge whether an infection has extended into the surrounding bone. A local anesthesia will be used to numb the area surrounding the tooth. Your dentist may also use other anesthesia treatments to make you more at ease during the procedure.

An opening will be made on the top of the affected tooth to access the decayed pulp material inside. Special dental instruments called root canal files are used to remove the infected nerve tissue, bacteria and pulp. After the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a rubber dental compound will be placed into the tooth's root canal and inner cavity and sealed with a sealer paste. A filling will be used to fill the access hole that was made at the top of the tooth at the beginning of the treatment. A crown cap may be placed on the tooth to protect it and to prevent breakage.

Being Comfortable During a Root Canal

Despite its reputation, a root canal is generally no more painful than other types of dental treatments, such as having a filling placed. If you wish, your dentist can use sedation to help you feel more at ease during your root canal therapy by using a certain level of sedation. The level of sedation that will be administered will depend primarily on the degree of nervousness or anxiety you may be experiencing about having the procedure done. The sedatives can be administered intravenously, orally or by inhalation. Your dentist will discuss the various options with you and which sedation method may be appropriate for your situation.

If you have questions or concerns about root canal therapy or any other dental treatment, please feel free to contact us at Premier Dental Care for an appointment. We provide a wide range of safe dental treatments that can help to restore your oral health.