Root Canal Therapy FAQ
It’s normal to feel a little nervous or anxious after hearing you need a root canal. At our dentist office in Bethlehem, GA, we want you to feel comfortable. Educating yourself about the root canal therapy process will make you feel less anxious about the procedure.
So, what do you need to know about root canal therapy? What are the risks associated with the procedure? What are the risks of not getting the procedure done? Read on to learn the answers to some of the frequently asked questions your favorite emergency dentist near Bethlehem, GA, gets about root canal therapy.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, often just referred to as a root canal, is the dental procedure used to preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible. This is usually due to inflammation or infection inside the tooth’s pulp.
During the treatment, the infection will be removed, and the tooth’s interior will be disinfected. A protective crown will be placed on top of the repaired tooth.
Why Are Root Canal Treatments Needed?
If the pulp inside the tooth is infected or otherwise inflamed, the pulp will need to be removed due to injury or decay. Removing the infection can save the remaining tooth structure and keep the infection from making its way into neighboring teeth.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy?
Patients coming into our dental office often ask if there are alternatives to getting the root canal treatment. Unfortunately, the only alternative is to extract the tooth entirely. It is better to take steps to save the tooth if possible, says Dr. Hoang. The root canal procedure is considered routine and boasts a high rate of success. Preserving the tooth can help to avoid shifting teeth, concerns eating and speaking, and of course, prevent the loss of jawbone density.
Will the Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being incredibly painful. In truth, it is the infection that is painful. The root canal treatment will get you out of pain and allow you to restore your oral health. The infections that make it necessary to get the treatment are quite often very painful. The infection inflames tooth tissue that contains many nerves. The procedure itself may not seem like it’s going to be enjoyable, but it will not hurt. Our team at Gentle Dental Group will make sure your root canal experience is nothing but the best.
What Takes Place During the Root Canal Procedure?
Knowing what to expect during your procedure can help you to feel more confident when you come in for your appointment at our Bethlehem, GA dentist office.
The tooth and the area surrounding the tooth will be numbed. This will ensure your immediate comfort. Your dentist will remove all of the tooth decay while also accessing the tooth’s pulp chamber and its canals. The diseased tissue will be removed until there are no more traces of it. The tooth’s canals and pulp chamber will be disinfected and then filled with a biocompatible material that will reinforce the tooth’s structure. Then the tooth will be sealed. A temporary crown may be placed until the permanent crown is ready for placement.
What Can Be Expected After the Procedure?
The tooth may feel somewhat sensitive for several days after the procedure. It will not feel anything close to the pain felt before the root canal treatment. Dr. Cody Boals, an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, says any discomfort that you feel can be typically handled with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the permanent crown has been placed. Be sure to call us, your dentist in Bethlehem, GA, if the pain worsens or you have a fever.
How Can I Avoid Further Root Canal Therapy?
A good dental health routine is the most important thing that you can do for your teeth. Keeping your teeth free from decay is as simple as brushing and flossing. Dr. Hoang says to keep up with your regular professional cleaning and exams, scheduled every six months.
Avoid acidic foods and beverages, and keep your diet low in sugar so that you can protect your teeth from their damaging effects.
If you are experiencing tooth pain in one or more teeth, contact Gentle Dental Group. As the emergency dentist Bethlehem, GA families trust, we can get you out of pain and restore your beautiful smile.