Plenty of people experience anxiety when it comes to dental appointments, especially if they have a major procedure like a root canal. This is the standard treatment to alleviate aches and infected materials from a sore or injured tooth and is an incredibly common procedure.
Despite this, many patients hesitate to schedule their procedure because they’re functioning under misconceptions about what’s involved. If you’re worried about an upcoming root canal, continue reading to learn 3 fascinating facts about them that might ease your frayed nerves.
Fact #1: They Relieve More Pain Than They Cause
If you have a persistent or severe toothache and visit your dentist, there’s a good chance they’ll recommend a root canal. It’s easy to assume that the procedure will inevitably be long and agonizing, and while that may have been true in the past, it’s no longer the case today.
Your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep your troubled tooth from sending pain signals to your brain. Then, they’ll remove the infected materials to alleviate the pressure buildup causing the throbbing. Finally, they’ll sanitize it and seal it closed to keep bacteria out. Typically, this process alleviates more discomfort than it causes.
Fact #2: They Preserve Your Natural Smile
Some patients wonder whether extracting their aching pearly white would be easier and more effective, but the truth is that removals come with risks. For instance, did you know your roots keep your jawbone healthy? They stimulate new bone growth when you bite down to keep it firm, and when one goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
Thankfully, root canals can address the underlying issue while preserving your natural tooth to safeguard your smile. This procedure can improve your condition if your tooth is too broken for a filling but not injured enough to be pulled out altogether.
Fact #3: You Will Need a Dental Crown Afterward
The root canal itself is only part of the treatment for broken or damaged teeth. Once your pearly white has been cleaned and repaired, you’ll need a dental crown to protect it from additional harm. Not only that but placing a tooth-shaped cap ensures that you can continue using your chomper to eat and speak normally.
These restorations are made from durable porcelain that can be color-matched to your natural hue for seamless results. They’re resilient enough to last 5 to 15+ years if cared for correctly, making them an excellent long-term solution.
If you still have unanswered questions about your upcoming procedure, asking your dentist is the best way to get accurate information based on your unique circumstances.
About the Practice
At My Frederick Dentist, you and your family benefit from two skilled dentists with 10+ years of combined experience. Dr. Aziz and Dr. Hong work together to provide a complete array of services at one convenient location, including root canals. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and smile goals so they can tailor treatment plans to meet your needs. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. If you have a toothache and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 698-9552.