A Root Canal Is Nothing to Worry About…We Promise
We get it. Just overhearing the phrase “root canal” can send shivers down your spine. Who knew two words could strike such fear into the average person? Would you believe us when we said that root canals are not as scary as you may think?
Let us explain. Root canals protect you against potentially serious oral health complications. If your dentist is recommending a root canal, it’s because the interior of your tooth is decaying. This means that the tooth’s living tissue (yep, you have living tissue inside your teeth) is in jeopardy, and if left untreated, you could suffer other dental health issues (read: things could get more complicated).The best course of action is to take immediate action.
Okay – so maybe that didn’t assuage your fears. Let’s walk you through the reasons why having a root canal is absolutely nothing to worry about:
The procedure is incredibly straightforward.
Understanding the root canal procedure can really help put your mind at ease. For most of us, it’s the not knowing what is really happening that puts us most ill at ease about procedures like root canals.
Before anything, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb your mouth – this will allow you to rest easy and free from pain during the procedure. Once you give the a-okay re: your anesthesia, your dentist will drill a small (we’re talking very small) hole through your tooth to access the infected area of the tooth’s core.
And, remember, you won’t feel this! Your dentist will use a small suction tool to capture the bacteria, and after removing the infected portion, they’ll replace it with a material that will prevent any bacteria from entering. A more permanent solution, like a crown, will be placed on top, and just like that, you’re done!
Root canals do take some time.
Although we say, “just like that,” root canals can be a bit on the lengthy-side. So, go ahead and get comfortable because you might be in the chair for a while. Most root canals take a couple of hours to complete, and you’ll probably have to come back a second time to have your crown placed on your tooth. Each case is different, so if you’re concerned about timing – ask your dentist how much time you will need to reserve for your procedure. And then, maybe consider bringing along your favorite playlist or podcast.
Root canals are extremely effective.
Root canals today have a success rate of 85% – which is incredibly high when it comes to addressing a bacterial-issue from within a bone! So, if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, remember there’s nothing to worry about! It’s a relatively painless procedure, and it will save you from a lot of suffering in the long run if your infected tooth is left untreated.
If you think you need a root canal, give our office a call today. We’ll be more than happy to assess your needs and guide you through the process to great dental care.
