A toothache is not only uncomfortable, it can also be scary. Patients often worry that a toothache means they will need tooth extraction. Fortunately, a procedure called root canal therapy can often save an infected tooth.
Call Marketplace Dentistry today to learn if endodontics root canal therapy is right for you.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, or Endodontics, is a process by which your dentist will remove infected pulp from inside your tooth and then seal it to prevent further decay. This treatment is used when your tooth has decay that cannot be fixed with a filling but is not so far gone as to require extraction.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
X-Ray: Your dentist will take an x-ray to determine the extent of the decay in your tooth. This will impact how long the procedure may take and the type of anesthetic used.
Anesthetics: Oftentimes only a local anesthetic is required. You will only experience temporary numbness and will still be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment. However, sedation may be required in some cases which will impact your ability to drive and return to work the same day.
Procedure: Once you are numb you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Your dentist will simply drill a hole into your tooth in order to extract the infected pulp. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the hole will be filled with thermoplastic materials.
Antibiotics: Your dentist will prescribe you antibiotics after the procedure to ensure there is no infection.
Why You Shouldn’t Fear a Root Canal
Pain is Minimal
If you have never had a root canal, it is likely that your only knowledge of them came from a sitcom character complaining about getting one. While root canals, just like most medical or dental procedures, do have the potential for discomfort, they are not nearly as bad as one would assume.
Local anesthetics are used in order to eliminate pain during the procedure and over the counter pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort after. However, for most patients, the procedure is very similar to having a regular cavity filled.
Root Canals Save Your Teeth
Along with being a relatively easy and painless process, root canals have the major benefit of saving your teeth from extraction. By protecting your natural tooth, you can avoid the issues caused by extraction which include tooth shifting, bone loss, and deteriorating gum health.
A dental implant can be used to stop tooth shifting and other issues but they are exponentially more expensive than a root canal. Though an extraction is the right choice in certain situations, a root canal is a preferred option when possible.
Schedule your Endodontics Appointment Today
At Marketplace Dentistry, we know that hearing you need root canal therapy can sound scary. This is why our team of dentists and hygienists ensure you get the best and most relaxed experience possible. Stop your tooth pain and get the care you need by scheduling an appointment today.
