woman's teeth - root canalWhile it’s true that root canals are notorious for being unpleasant procedures, they are vastly misunderstood. As your family dentist, we would like you to know that they are nothing to fear and that, in truth, a root canal is not the onerous experience that people make it out to be. To explain why root canals are not such a big deal, read on to learn what a root canal is, who gets it done, and why it is less intimidating than you might think.

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside the enamel of your tooth, there is a soft tissue called pulp. Unfortunately, this pulp is subject to inflammation and infection from deep decay, tooth cracks or chips, facial trauma, and faulty crowns. When this occurs, a root canal is needed.

During the root canal procedure, the pulp of the infected tooth is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Then, the tooth is sealed back into your mouth with a rubber-like material. In a follow-up visit, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. Once this procedure is complete, the tooth is as good as new!

What Symptoms Might Indicate I Need a Root Canal?

Not everyone has symptoms. Of those who do, typically they experience one or more of the following:

  • Severe pain when chewing
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Tenderness in the surrounding gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

What Is Root Canal Treatment Like at May Family Dental?

At May Family Dental, your comfort is very important to us. We use numbing agents throughout the entire root canal procedure to make it a pain-free experience. Many people find that, because of the pain of their infected tooth in addition to their fear around having a root canal done in the first place, the root canal itself is the easiestpart of the process! The root canal is a painless procedure whereas the infected tooth may have been causing discomfort for a long time.

Having said that, when you come in for your root canal, the first thing we will do is ensure your comfort. Then, we will proceed by removing the bacteria and inflamed tissue in the tooth. Finally, to finish, we will seal off the cleaned canal to prevent reinfection. About a week later, you will return to the office so we can place a dental crown on the treated tooth to prevent it from breaking. Throughout both procedures, any concerns or questions you might have will be addressed while we help you feel at ease about the process.

What Do You Recommend for Patients Who Have Had Root Canals?

Give your tooth a few days to heal, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the restoration is complete, typically about a week later. At first, a little tenderness is normal, but OTC pain relievers will help a great deal. Brush and floss as you normally would, and do not hesitate to contact us if you experience visible swelling, an allergic reaction, a return of your original symptoms, or an uneven bite.

How Can I Schedule a Dental Consultation?

Scheduling a root canal consultation is easy! Simply click here to fill out our online appointment request form or contact our office by phone. We have two convenient locations in Zanesville and Logan to serve our patients.