For many people, the most dreaded words heard in a dental chair are “root canal”, and this is unfortunate because root canals are no longer the difficult, overly painful, and prolonged treatments they once were. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, patients can rest assured that root canals and endodontics (dentistry dealing with the interior of teeth known as the pulp) are expertly done by a dentist whose goal is to maintain the health of the tooth and keep the patient comfortable.
What Are Root Canals?
Perhaps it is more helpful to learn what root canals really are in order to remove the fear factor from them. They are treatments meant to preserve the tooth. Without root canals, you would face an unpleasant extraction and the many problems that can cause.
Instead, with endodontics, you enjoy direct treatment of the cause of pain, swelling, and infection in the tooth – preventing it from spreading or killing the tooth itself. The dentist will numb the area fully, using a comfortable local anesthetic. They will then perform the exact same sort of drilling that is done with any dental filling, and then clean the interior of the tooth and remove all infected tissue. Generally, a root canal is completed with a dental crown instead of a filling to ensure stability and that no further decay can possibly occur.
The benefits of root canals cannot be overemphasized. They save the tooth, prevent further problems, and because they are topped with dental crowns, they enable you to enjoy a stronger bite and better protected tooth structure over the long term.
Is It Always Necessary?
Even with all of the explanations about the benefits and the ease with which root canals are now done, many patients still want to know if the dentist can do something else. The most accurate answer is no – once infection has set in and the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, it is actually imperative that a root canal be done.
If the idea of a longer than usual filling-like procedure is too upsetting, simply speak with your dentist honestly about your fears, and an appropriate method of pain management will be created.
Root canals may require a return visit in order for the new crown to be made and placed, but by the time of the second visit the pain and discomfort caused by the infection and decay will have ended, and the patient will leave with a strong new crown and a much healthier smile.
Contact our office today to schedule your root canal appointment.