When you have a tooth that is badly decayed or damaged, it might cause you some concern if the dentist recommends a root canal as the best treatment option. Root canal therapy can seem like a frightening experience, especially if you have heard horror stories from those who had the procedure performed many years ago. While a root canal is an extensive procedure that may seem a little scary, with new advancements and better pain management techniques used by the dentist, a root canal procedure can be completed in one to three appointments with minimal pain and little in the way of down time.
First of all, do not let the name fool you. While the term itself sounds pretty scary, each and every tooth has at least one root canal. This is the inside of the tooth roots that holds the nerves, soft tissue, and blood vessels. When the soft tissue inside called the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, this soft tissue needs to be removed in order to prevent loss of the tooth or spread of the infection within the jaw. A root canal treatment is a way to remove the diseased tissue from within the tooth and to save the tooth as well.
According to the American Society of Endodontists, there are three main myths about root canal treatment. These myths may be why a root canal procedure seems so frightening. These myths are that a root canal:
- Is painful
- Causes illness
- Can be prevented with removal of the affected tooth
Some may fear having a root canal performed because of the pain factor involved. However, practicing dentist Thomas P. Connelly, DDS, in an article for Huffington Post, points out that it is generally the infection that causes immense pain to a tooth. A root canal procedure will remove the infected tissue and any nerves that signal pain, resulting in decreased pain. This procedure helps to save the affected tooth and is certainly less painful than having the tooth extracted.
A long time ago, it was believed that having a root canal procedure would lead to illness. Health and dental technology has come a long way from those days, and better research methods show that leaving an infected tooth or removing it can lead to more infection and damage than having a root canal procedure. A root canal removes the infection so that it will not spread. Often, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics before or after the procedure to help clear out any remaining infection.
While removal of the affected tooth can certainly prevent the need for a root canal, extractions are more painful, take longer to heal, and cause the need for a replacement tooth. A root canal treatment will save the tooth and result in less pain and suffering.
We talked with Indian Rock Dental PC about the subject and they said, “The reality behind a root canal is that it is a safe and effective procedure to reduce pain, remove infection, and save the affected tooth. There are various methods of anesthesia that can be used, depending on your reaction to pain and anxiety level regarding dental procedures. Be sure to speak with your dental care provider before having the procedure done.” However, Novocaine is typically sufficient to prevent any pain during the procedure. The pulp is removed, with all the infected tissue and nerves. The canals are cleaned out and sealed. Sometimes the dentist will further protect the tooth with a crown but that is not always necessary. Over-the-counter pain medications are generally enough for minor irritation after the procedure.
While a root canal procedure may seem a bit scary when you first hear the term, once you understand more about the procedure and its ability to reduce pain, you can take some comfort in knowing the procedure is actually beneficial and not that scary after all.
