Root Canals – Misunderstood

Root canals have been one of the most dreaded dental procedures for years. Patients have often allowed fear of the procedure to keep them from getting the treatment that they need to save their tooth, and end of losing the tooth as well as causing the need for even more extensive dental work. Fear of root canals stems from the fact that root canal treatment has been misunderstood for many years. At Family & Cosmetic Dental Care, we are here to help our patients understand that root canals are done in your best interest – and root canal treatment is not painful.

When it comes to understanding root canals, the first misconception that needs to be overcome is that root canals are not painful – infected teeth are painful. Root canals are specifically done to remove infection and to relieve pain. The innermost part of the tooth is known as the “pulp,” and this is where all of the nerves of the tooth are located. When an infection reaches this pulp of the tooth, the nerves are constantly being zapped, causing you immense pain. Root canals are simple and painless procedures which are done to remove infection from the inside of the tooth.

Root canals are done in the dentist’s office as an out-patient procedure that is often compared to having a tooth filled. Modern endodontic treatment allows this procedure to be done safely and effectively, with the ultimate goal being saving the tooth. Saving a tooth is always the primary concern of a dental procedure in order to avoid even more invasive and costly procedures from becoming necessary.

An infection occurs deep within a tooth by a variety of causes:

• Repeated dental procedures on a single tooth
• Faulty crown
• Deep crack in the tooth that allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s pulp
• Trauma to a tooth

During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed, the inside of the tooth is then disinfected and treated, and the tooth is then filled and sealed. A crown or filling will be placed on the top surface of the tooth to prevent future damage and to allow the tooth to function normally.

Contact Family & Cosmetic Dental Care today. Root canals relieve your pain, so do not avoid this necessary treatment.

Posted by Mitul Patel DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dental Care
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