A toothache can be a severe source of pain that interrupts your day-to-day activities. While many toothaches begin as small cavities, chips, or cracks, when they are left untreated, an infection can set into the inner parts of the tooth. In these cases, the best solution may be root canal treatment.
The words “root canal” often cause a lot of trepidation in patients, so our team at Live Oak Dental Group in Porterville, CA is here to help ease your anxiety about root canal treatment by answering some root canal FAQs.
6 Common Questions About Root Canals
Though dentists routinely perform root canals, almost every patient experiences some level of anxiety about the procedure. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from patients before their root canal procedure:
1. What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment or root canal therapy is a common endodontic procedure for infected teeth that allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of needing an extraction.
Inside each of your teeth is a layer called the pulp, which is a canal that runs down the tooth root. When this part of the tooth gets infected, root canal treatment is necessary. Because fully-developed permanent teeth can live without this layer, we can clean out the pulp, fill it with a material called gutta-percha, and leave the outer part of the tooth intact.
2. Who needs root canal therapy?
Tooth decay or damage causes pulp to become inflamed, and an infected tooth is very serious. Not only does it cause you a lot of pain, but an infection left untreated can be life-threatening.
Symptoms that indicated you might need root canal therapy include:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Pimples on the gums
- Deep dental decay
- Intense pain while chewing or biting
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold substances
- Inflammed gums
3. What happens during the procedure?
Root canal therapy involves these five simple steps:
- Preparation: Examination, x-rays, local anesthesia, and a dental dam
- Clean: Our doctors will make an opening in the crown of the tooth, then clean out the infected pulp from the root canals, then prepare them to be refilled.
- Fill: We will fill the canals with gutta-percha, a biocompatible, rubber-like material.
- Seal: A temporary filling will be placed over the root canaled tooth.
- Restoration Placement: You will return to our office to receive your permanent, personalized dental crown or other restoration.
4. How long will the effects last?
If taken care of properly, you will be able to use your treated tooth for the rest of your life. Make sure to establish a good oral care routine to prevent future infections.
5. Is it painful?
The goal of a root canal is to alleviate pain, not cause it. Either Dr. Hardt or Dr. Monterroso will give you a sedative or general anesthesia to make sure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. Afterward, your tooth may feel different than your other teeth for a while, but it should no longer cause you any pain.
6. What if the infection returns?
It is uncommon for an infection to return in a tooth that has already had a root canal. However, if needed, the treatment process can be repeated.
Root Canal Myths Busted
Root Canals Cause Illness
Some information you come across may claim that root canal treatment makes you more susceptible to disease or illness. This is untrue, and there is no modern research to support this claim in any way.
Having a Root Canal is Painful
Root canals are no more painful than any other common dental procedure, like getting a cavity filled. Our team will ensure you are as comfortable as possible with either sedation or anesthesia.
It is Better to Get a Tooth Pulled
While there are artificial options out there, it is best to keep your natural teeth when possible. A root canal allows you to keep the look and function of your natural tooth.
Come See Us
Our team at Live Oak Dental Group is here to assist you through a root canal procedure and any other dental work you may need. Located in Porterville, CA, we provide comprehensive and professional family dentistry. Make an appointment online or call us at (559-784-6523).
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