Root Canals Aren’t Scary
Have you recently learned that you need a root canal and are nervous about receiving treatment? Unfortunately, root canals have a bad reputation, but it’s not justified. A root canal can not only save your natural teeth, but can help eliminate severe discomfort as well. We want to help ease your mind about this common dental treatment. Read on to learn more about root canal therapy.
What is a Root Canal?
Due to the way root canals have been portrayed in the past, we have a number of patients who feel a moment of panic when they learn they need a root canal. Thanks to the advancements in treatment practices and state-of-the-art technology, root canals are extremely similar to the process of a filling, just slightly more involved. Your teeth have various layers, and when decay has penetrated the enamel and is not treated in a timely fashion, it will continue to the middle of the tooth, known as the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, we will recommend a root canal. The process of a root canal involves opening the tooth, removing the infected pulp, the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, a filling is placed into the tooth root, and the area is then sealed. The severity of the decay will determine if a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, is needed.
Treatment Recovery
Television programs and movies would lead you to believe that you need gauze wrapped around your head and that you will be bed ridden following a root canal when nothing could be further from the truth. Following a root canal, you will be able to function as normal. Before eating and drinking, we recommend allowing the numbness to wear off. It is important to clean the area surrounding the root canal carefully. If you need a dental crown, be gentle with the temporary crown so it doesn’t become loose and fall out.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth or we recommended a root canal or other treatment, be sure to contact our office located in Kewaskum, WI to schedule an appointment. Delaying a root canal or other treatment can lead to serious oral health complications and the need for additional measures such as a tooth extraction. We want to help get your oral health back on track!