Two Reasons Root Canals Really Aren’t So Bad

If you’re like many people, the thought of heading into the dentist makes you nervous and jumpy. But when it’s a root canal that you’re about to endure, chances are your stomach is churning and you’re having trouble breathing. Well stop worrying, because the truth of the matter is that root canals really are not as bad as their reputation.

A Quick Reminder About Root Canals

A root canal is a necessary treatment when the soft pulp inside of your tooth becomes infected, inflamed, and diseased. Sometimes a tooth can become so damaged from a deep cavity, but other times excessive cracking or repeated dental procedures can also contribute. Eventually, the tooth becomes too damaged and painful to remain in its current condition, so a root canal is performed.

During a root canal, a dentist numbs the tooth and makes an opening through the crown of the tooth into the area holding the soft pulp. Special instruments are used to suck away infection and unhealthy pulp from the inside of the tooth, at which point the canal is filled with a permanent material meant to prevent future infection and contamination. Some sophisticated procedures now even include antibiotics with the tooth fill material to help minimize future infection!

The Pain is Actually Bearable

If you are a candidate for a root canal, then it’s most likely that you have been in extreme pain due to the infection and/or cracking in your tooth. While root canals definitely used to cause extreme pain, current technology and medical advances have helped root canals become relatively painless procedures. Between local numbing agents and general anesthesia, you won’t feel much of anything!

The Results Are Worth It

After your root canal, you might be in a bit of pain during your recovery period, but at last you will be free from the intense pain your bad tooth was causing before your root canal removed its infection. You will once again be able to chew, drink liquids, and talk like normal without worrying about any pain.

Root canals definitely don’t receive their bad reputation!