Root canal procedures have a reputation for causing anxiety in dental patients. At Cobblestone Family Dental, we believe in addressing the myths and misconceptions around this very common procedure! We want to calm your fears by providing accurate and reassuring information.
Root canals are a crucial treatment option that can save your natural teeth, relieve pain, and restore your dental health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the truths behind root canals, helping to dispel fears and clarify what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
If you’re looking for a dentist in the OKC metro with a gentle and honest approach to root canals, schedule an appointment with Cobblestone Park Family Dental.
Why a Root Canal Might Be Necessary
A root canal is often recommended when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This infection can occur from decay, cracks, chips, or other reasons. Facial trauma, even if it doesn’t visibly damage the tooth, can also affect the pulp of the tooth.
If left untreated, tooth infections can lead to abscesses, causing severe pain and potentially leading to bone loss around the tooth. A root canal preserves your natural tooth, maintains your ability to chew, and prevents further complications.
Many patients ask why saving the tooth is better than simply extracting it. The answer lies in the functional benefits of retaining your natural teeth. A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for replacements like bridges or implants or removing the tooth (extraction).
The Root Canal Process: What to Expect
A root canal might make you think of pain and discomfort, but thanks to new dental technology, the procedure is now much easier and quicker than before. At Cobblestone Park Family Dental, we make sure our patients feel comfortable and understand what’s happening at every step.
A root canal procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the mouth around the affected tooth. This ensures that you feel little to no pain during the treatment. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist carefully creates a tiny opening in the tooth to access the inner parts of the tooth, known as the pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged pulp and nerve are carefully removed, and the inside parts of the tooth are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
After cleaning, the canals are shaped and filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. This material seals the space to prevent future infections. Once the tooth is filled, it is sealed with a temporary filling or a permanent restoration, such as a crown, depending on the tooth’s condition. A crown is typically placed in a follow-up appointment to ensure the tooth remains strong and functional for years.
If you’re looking for a dentist in the Oklahoma City area, schedule your appointment with our caring and experienced team at Cobblestone Park Family Dental.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
A common myth about root canal procedures is that they are extremely painful. The procedure is actually designed to relieve pain that may be caused by infection or damage to the tooth’s pulp. Thanks to modern anesthetics and advanced techniques, most patients report that the experience is no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
Any discomfort you feel during healing is generally mild. Your dentist will give you guidance about managing pain with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. The goal of a root canal is to eliminate the pain caused by the infection and save your natural tooth, so once the procedure is completed and the tooth has healed, you should no longer experience any discomfort.
How to Take Care of Your Tooth Following a Root Canal
Post-procedure care is an important part of the success of your root canal. Immediately following the treatment, you may experience mild soreness or sensitivity, particularly while chewing. This sensitivity usually subsides after a few days, and your dentist at Cobblestone Park Family Dental will guide you in managing any discomfort.
To protect the tooth and temporary filling until the permanent crown is placed, avoid chewing on sticky or hard foods. The final restoration is essential to maintaining the tooth’s strength and function. With regular care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure can last a lifetime.
Maintaining good hygiene is also key to the long-term success of your root canal treatment. Continue to brush and floss each day and schedule regular checkups and cleanings at Cobblestone Park Family Dental. These preventive measures will help to keep your teeth healthy and detect any issues early on, reducing the risk of future complications.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extraction: Why Choose to Save the Tooth?
Some patients may wonder whether it’s worth going through the root canal process when extraction seems like a quicker solution. While extraction might seem like the easier choice, it comes with its own set of challenges. Removing a tooth creates a gap that can affect your ability to speak and chew correctly, and it may cause other teeth to shift over time, leading to alignment problems.
Replacing the extracted tooth with an implant, denture, or bridge can be a good option when necessary, but any extraction can reduce the natural benefits of keeping your original tooth. When a tooth is in place, it constantly stimulates the underlying jawbone through chewing and biting forces. The stimulation of the jawbone helps maintain bone density and strength. If a tooth is extracted and the connection and stimulation to the jawbone are lost, this can eventually lead to bone loss. For more information, check out this resource the American Association of Endodontists created on the importance of saving natural teeth where possible.
Root canals preserve your natural tooth, allowing you to maintain a strong bite, optimal dental health, and preserve jaw structure. Cobblestone Park Family Dental advocates for saving the tooth whenever possible, as it is almost always the best option for long-term oral health.
Addressing Common Myths About Root Canals
Multiple myths surrounding root canal procedures cause some people fear and anxiety. One common myth is that root canals cause illness or are unsafe. Extensive research has debunked this myth and shown that root canals are safe and effective for saving damaged teeth.
Another common myth is that having a root canal is worse than losing a tooth. As mentioned earlier in this blog, tooth loss can have negative consequences on oral health. Root canals preserve your natural tooth and prevent the secondary complications of losing a tooth.
Finally, some believe root canals are unnecessary if the tooth isn’t causing pain. Sometimes, a tooth may become infected or damaged without immediate symptoms. Your dentist at Cobblestone Park Family Dental will assess your tooth’s condition and determine if a root canal is needed based on the extent of the damage, not just the level of pain you’re experiencing.
Trust Cobblestone Park Family Dental for Your Root Canal Assessment and Treatment
At Cobblestone Park Family Dental, we understand our patients’ concerns about root canals. We aim to provide a comfortable, stress-free environment where you can comfortably receive the dental care you need to optimize your dental health. Root canals effectively save your natural teeth, relieve pain, and prevent future dental issues.
By debunking the myths surrounding this procedure and offering clear guidance on what to expect, our goal is to reduce your dental anxiety and make your experience as positive as possible. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team provides expert dental care with a personalized approach that puts your comfort first.
Your dental health is important to us, and we’re here to ensure you have the best experience possible, from diagnosis to treatment and aftercare. Schedule your appointment with Cobblestone Park Family Dental and receive the care you deserve.