Have you ever heard your dentist mention root canal treatment and thought, “Eek! Not something I want to dive into!”? Well, no matter how much you might be tempted to ignore the signs of a possible root canal, it’s important to understand when you need one. If you do need a root canal, the good news is that modern technology has made this once-dreaded procedure much more comfortable than in years past. Let’s explore the reasons why it may be time for a root canal treatment.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is the treatment of an infected or damaged tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed or infected material from your tooth roots, as well as any debris that may have built up in them. The area is then filled with a special dental material and sealed off to protect it from future damage.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
If you are experiencing extreme pain in one of your teeth that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medications, it could be time for a root canal. The pain is typically caused by infection or decay in the inner parts of your teeth and can only be relieved with proper treatment. Other signs that you may need a root canal include swelling around the affected area, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, discoloration of the affected tooth, and persistent bad breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have them checked out by your dentist right away.
What Happens When You Get a Root Canal?
At your appointment, your dentist will administer local anesthesia so that you don’t experience discomfort during the procedure. Once numbed up, they will open up your tooth and remove the infected pulp using small tools called files. After all the infected material is removed, they will then clean and shape the inside of your teeth with special tools and fill it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. In some cases, they may also put in a crown for added protection.
Once complete, you should experience relief from any pain or sensitivity associated with the infection. However, depending on how severe the infection was prior to treatment, some patients may still experience mild discomfort for several days after their appointment—but don’t worry, this is completely normal and should subside soon enough.
Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Getting a root canal can help relieve pain and restore your mouth to its normal state. It also helps prevent further damage from happening by sealing off the infected area and preventing bacteria from entering it again. Plus, getting a root canal can help save your natural teeth rather than having them removed and replaced with dentures or dental implants later on down the line!
Don’t let fear keep you from getting the dental care you need! While some people may associate root canals with pain or discomfort, they are actually quite beneficial when it comes to protecting your oral health. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with needing a root canal—such as sharp pains when eating or drinking—it’s important to talk to your Stamford Dental Spa dentist right away, so they can provide relief before further damage occurs. With proper care and attention, you should be able to get back to enjoying life without worrying about oral health problems down the line!