Afraid to Get a root Canal? This Information Will Help!
Afraid To Get A Root canal? This Information Will Help!
More than any other dental procedure, people everywhere seem to be afraid of the root canal. What most people don’t know, is that the fabled story of the awful and painful root canal contains a lot of inaccuracies that are blown out of proportion. Much of the pain and difficulty commonly associated with the procedure are tied to myths that dramatize what the procedure actually is. If you are in need of a root canal, there is no need to be afraid. Here is some solid and reliable information that will put your mind at ease, and will prepare you for a flawless procedure.
First things first: What is a root canal?
A root canal is a very common dental procedure that is designed to preserve a dead tooth. The preservation distinction is important to understand, as the tooth is in fact dead, and is being preserved physically and visually for use and aesthetic purposes within your mouth. If you have reached the point of needing a root canal, it is already too late to save the life of your tooth but rest assured, it can be flawlessly preserved. Though some people may opt for use of a new dental implant in this situation, many also prefer the option of preserving their own natural tooth as it is less labor intensive, and leaves you with the utility and tooth structure that you are used to. A root canal is often followed up with a crowning procedure that adds strength and stability to the newly preserved tooth.
What does the procedure consist of?
During a root canal your dentist will remove the infected or irritated inner pulp of your tooth. Within this pulp are deadened nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. During this procedure, the dentist will take great care to clean and smoothly shape the drilled inner structure of the tooth before filling and sealing the sculpted hole that was made.
Will my root canal hurt?
Contrary to popular belief many root canals may not even require anesthesia, but dentists will frequently use it anyway to keep the patient calm and at ease. After you get home there is a small chance that you might experience a bit of pain in the 12 to 24 hours immediately following. That said, it is very common to not be subject to any post procedure pain at all, making the reality of the root canal procedure very different from its perception. If you do experience a slight pain, your dentist recommended, over the counter pain medication should do the trick.
If a root canal is in your future, don’t fret. Knowing the facts of the procedure can be comforting. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be feeling good as new in no time.