One of the most dreaded dental procedures is a root canal. Many people avoid seeking dental care because of their fear of this treatment. However, avoiding a root canal can lead to more severe dental issues that can result in tooth loss. As a dental professional at The Fort Collins Dentist, I understand your apprehension but I want to reassure you that there is no reason to fear a root canal. In this blog, I will discuss what a root canal entails, what to expect during the procedure, and how effective and safe the treatment is.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that is used to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. The process involves the removal of the damaged pulp inside a tooth. The pulp of the tooth is a soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that run from the tooth’s roots to the crown. When the pulp gets infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and disinfect the canal, and fill and seal it to prevent further infection.
What to expect during the procedure:
Your dentist will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. After the anesthesia has taken effect, a rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. Your dentist will then drill an access hole into the tooth to remove the pulp and clean the root canal. When the canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, a filling material will be placed into the canal and sealed. In most cases, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it.
Is root canal treatment safe?
Many people still believe that root canal treatment is dangerous, but the truth is that it is a safe, routine dental procedure. With advances in modern dentistry and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless and has a high success rate of more than 95 percent. By saving your natural tooth, you can avoid more costly and complex dental procedures in the future, such as implants or bridges.
Is root canal treatment effective?
Root canal treatment is highly effective at saving damaged teeth and preventing the need for extraction. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a treated tooth can last for a lifetime. However, in some cases, the tooth may have to be retreated if the infection returns or the initial treatment wasn’t successful. Your dentist will monitor you after the treatment to ensure that your tooth is healing correctly.
Root canal treatment is a safe and effective dental procedure that can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for more invasive treatments. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, don’t ignore it. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and save your teeth. As a dental professional, I encourage you to seek dental care and discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Remember, there is no reason to fear a root canal.
Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:
970-221-5115
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526
