Root canal treatment has created an image of being a painful procedure in the minds of people. However, modern technological advancements have transformed this treatment into an easy and almost painless procedure. A good Mississauga general dentist can walk you through the importance of root canal therapy and determine if you need it.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
Root canal therapy is performed to treat pulp infections. The pulp is found inside the root canal, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Once inflamed or infected because of decay, trauma, or cracks, it can lead to serious pain and even abscess when not treated promptly. The procedure involves getting rid of the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal, and sealing the canal to prevent further infection. Then, the tooth is restored with a dental filling or crown.
Reasons Not to Fear Root Canal Therapy
If the fear of a root canal procedure has been holding you back from undergoing this procedure, the following might change your perception of this treatment:
- Root canal therapy is painless. A lot of people think that root canal treatment is quite painful. But this is an outdated belief. Most patients these days feel minimal to zero discomfort while undergoing the procedure due to advanced techniques and anesthetics. In fact, the pain related to an untreated pulp infection is worse than the therapy itself. Today, root canal procedures take advantage of modern technologies to guarantee your comfort.
- The procedure saves your tooth. With root canal therapy, you do not lose a natural tooth. This is better for your smile and lets you keep proper chewing function. Also, it means that your teeth do not misalign. While tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, it can result in expensive and complex restorations like dental bridges or implants. Compared to these options, root canal therapy is a more cost-effective option. Root canal therapy prevents an infection from spreading and lets you retain the affected tooth.
- Root canal therapy recovery is quick and convenient. Recovering from a root canal treatment is often quick and uncomplicated. The majority of patients can go back to their normal routines the day following the treatment. They can use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any discomfort after surgery. The dentist may recommend not eating anything hard and crunchy for a few days.
- It is cost-effective down the road. Some patients do not undergo root canal therapy because of cost-related concerns. However, this procedure is more economical than more invasive dental treatments. The ability to save your tooth means a patient avoids the need for expensive dentures, implants, or bridges.
What to Expect During the Treatment
To reduce anxiety related to root canal therapy, it helps to understand the steps involved. Below is what you can expect during the procedure:
- Numbing the areas to be treated. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissue. This makes sure you will not feel pain during the procedure.
- Making a point of access. A small opening should be made in the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp. Your dentist needs this access point to remove debris and damaged tissue.
- Cleaning the root canal. Your dentist will cleanse and prepare the root canal for filling. Then, they will disinfect the canal to eliminate all bacteria.
- Sealing the root canal. The dentist will pour a biocompatible substance into the root canal to seal off the space. This is a necessary step to prevent infection.
- Placing a crown or filling. The dentist will place a dental crown or filling to restore the tooth. This strengthens the tooth and ensures it functions normally. Also, the tooth crown protects the tooth from future damage.