Do you have excruciating dental pain or tooth sensitivity? You may require root canal therapy. We at Fairview Dental in Brentwood understand that many patients become anxious just hearing the word "root canal." However, this essential dental procedure can alleviate pain, address issues like gum disease, and preserve your natural teeth. Root canal therapy involves …
Do you have excruciating dental pain or tooth sensitivity? You may require root canal therapy. We at Fairview Dental in Brentwood understand that many patients become anxious just hearing the word “root canal.” However, this essential dental procedure can alleviate pain, address issues like gum disease, and preserve your natural teeth.
Root canal therapy involves cleaning the infected area, removing damaged tissue, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. If left untreated, the infection can lead to the need for tooth extraction. During the procedure, the dentist carefully manages the blood vessels in the tooth to ensure proper healing. Let’s address frequent concerns and explain the root canal procedure to make you feel more comfortable.
What is a root canal?
When a tooth becomes damaged, cracked, or infected, a root canal can treat the inside of the tooth. To prevent further issues, the infected pulp—the soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves—is removed, cleaned, and sealed.
This procedure helps preserve the tooth and prevent the spread of infection, particularly when caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an untreated cavity. After treatment, it’s crucial to brush your teeth regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent future infections.
The Root Canal Procedure – Step by Step
- Diagnosis and Evaluation: Your Brentwood dentist, Dr. Luu will examine your infected tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage to the pulp and connective tissue, determining whether a root canal is necessary.
- Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Access Opening: A small hole is created in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- Cleaning and Pulp Removal: The contaminated pulp and infected connective tissue are carefully removed, and the chamber is cleaned to eliminate bacteria and debris.
- Filling and Shaping: A biocompatible substance is used to fill and shape the cleaned chamber, ensuring it is sealed and protected.
- Sealing the Tooth: The tooth is sealed with a special crown or filling to prevent further damage or infection, restoring its function and appearance.
Debunking Common Root Canal Myths
Myth 1: Root Canals are Extremely Painful
Fact: Getting a root canal usually doesn’t hurt any more than getting a dental filling, thanks to contemporary anesthesia and dental care techniques. The goal of the treatment is to reduce pain, not to create it.
Myth 2: Root Canals Can’t Be Performed on Infected Teeth
Fact: Infected or inflamed teeth are frequently treated with root canal therapy. In addition to eliminating the infection, the dental treatment prevents it from spreading further. Dental x-rays help assess the extent of the infection to ensure proper care.
Myth 3: Root Canals Make You Sick
Fact: There is no scientific proof that receiving a root canal causes illnesses to spread to other parts of the body. Root canal therapy is a proven and safe procedure that has helped many preserve their teeth and oral health.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Preserves Natural Teeth: In contrast to extractions, root canal therapy keeps your tooth’s natural structure intact, preventing the need for tooth replacement.
- Reduces Pain: Root canals remove the source of tooth pain, whether it’s a sharp, throbbing pain or discomfort from sensitive teeth, by extracting the infected pulp.
- Enhances General Dental Health: By addressing the infection, root canal therapy prevents it from spreading to other areas of your mouth, helping to avoid further complications.
- Preserves Smile and Function: Preserving your natural teeth not only maintains your smile but also helps preserve chewing capacity and overall oral anatomy, allowing for better long-term dental health.
Why Choose Root Canal Over Extraction?
When a tooth would otherwise require extraction, root canal therapy is often the best option to preserve it. You can avoid having your natural tooth pulled by treating the infection and sealing the tooth. This helps relieve the pain associated with dental abscesses and prevents further complications. Maintaining your grin, chewing abilities, and general oral structure depends on this.
Preserving your natural teeth whenever feasible is our first priority at Fairview Dental in Brentwood. To make sure your root canal surgery is as comfortable and successful as possible, our skilled staff use the newest methods and tools.
Remember, there is no need to fear a root canal. It is a valuable procedure that can save your tooth and effectively alleviate pain. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brentwood’s Fairview Dental if you’re having tooth discomfort or are worried about your oral health. Our goal is to assist you in keeping your smile pain-free and healthy!
