For decades, just the threat of a root canal kept many people from visiting the dentist. People used the procedure as a measurement of pain, with the expression “I’d rather have a root canal” used to precede events like visiting the in-laws or cleaning a flooded basement. People believed that a root canal was something to dread and avoid.
Kate Moss, a well-known British model, dreaded her root canal so much that she left in the middle of the procedure. As she tells the story, “I was in the middle of a root canal and wouldn’t go back, so it just dropped out when I was in the middle of Fifth Avenue.” She then modelled in a major show while missing a tooth.
Why Root Canal Is Always Misunderstood?
While Moss’ reaction was obviously extreme, root canal treatments were once quite painful, so people had reason to dread them. However, with advancements in dental methods and technology, root canals have become a painless procedure that saves many teeth from extraction. For those who still have anxiety due to bad past experiences, or very natural nervousness, we offer sedation options to help you through the procedure.
No tooth should be lost for lack of a root canal.
Root Canal Basics
Sometimes, teeth become so decayed that they develop infections. When the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it needs to be treated. When you experience this problem, you can opt to have the tooth removed and replaced with an implant, bridge or other dental appliance. Or, you may be able to have a root canal treatment instead.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist practises effective pain management. Most patients report they experience no pain or only minor discomfort. Once the dentist numbs the gum area, they remove the inflamed tooth pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth and fill the space with a special material.
After the root canal treatment, you may need to take an antibiotic for a week or so to ensure that the infection clears up completely. After a root canal, your tooth functions just as it always has and can stay healthy for the rest of your life. Best of all, you get to keep your natural smile.
What Are The Warning Signs To Watch Out For?
Root canal treatments are not painful, but an infected tooth can be. You may be a candidate for root canal therapy if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- A severe toothache that persists.
- Pain caused by chewing or pressure on the tooth.
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
- Red, swollen gums around the affected tooth.
- Visible abscess and/or pus on the gums around the tooth.
- Random, sharp tooth pain.
You know you need dental care when you have these symptoms, but some patients with an infected tooth have no pain or visible signs of trouble. That’s why seeing your dentist regularly is so important. They can spot problems early and repair your teeth before you need more invasive procedures to fix them.
Why Shouldn’t You Be Afraid of Root Canal Treatment?
Instead of fearing a root canal, you should consider it a patient-friendly procedure. Many patients report that recovering from a tooth extraction is far worse than recovering from a root canal treatment. Keeping your own tooth is usually preferable to using an artificial replacement. Implants, bridges and dentures can restore your smile brilliantly, but root canal therapy can preserve the smile you already have.
Sometimes, root canal treatment can also save you money. The cost of an implant or other replacement method can be high. Choosing a root canal treatment instead of extraction may save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. And root canal treated teeth rarely need much follow-up. An extraction and implant procedure, while producing excellent results, may require multiple visits to complete and maintain.
Root canal treatment is a low-hassle way to save your natural tooth. Recovery is fast, and the results are long-lasting. Remember, root canal treatments are not scary or something to be avoided. There is a lot to love about this common dental procedure.
Dana Street Dental
Dana Street Dental is well known for its customer care because we focus on education, pain management, and tooth restoration. Our dental team wants you to have the healthiest and most attractive smile possible, so we never stop working to improve our methods and our service.
Our team is passionate about teeth and is dedicated to your dental health. At Dana Street Dental, you get the best dental care available. We use the latest methods and advanced technology to repair and maintain your teeth. And we also focus on cosmetic procedures to make sure your teeth are white, straight and beautiful.
For more information, fill out our brief online form, or call 03 5100 7701.
Let’s work together to protect and enhance your smile.
