No one ever wants to hear the words "You're going to need a root canal" from their dentist. This seems to be due to the procedure's fearsome reputation for invasiveness and pain. This image is one that's been fostered and nurtured by movies and television programs in search of a laugh. But rest assured, the reality of the matter couldn't be further from this image.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure in which, as a result of severe decay or breakage, a dentist has to remove a tooth's infected or injured internal soft tissue, or ¨pulp,¨ which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This is done using special instruments, after which the dentist thoroughly cleans out the remaining empty space and seals it with a filling material that prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth and creates a healthy environment for tissue to grow back.
The good news is that root canals, in addition to being extremely effective and providing immediate relief from discomfort, can generally be expected to last, with proper care, for over a decade before any re-treatment is required.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thankfully, the only pain comes from the underlying dental issues that made a root canal necessary in the first place.
From the moment a dentist numbs the gums surrounding and pulp inside of a damaged tooth, throughout the root canal procedure itself, to the week-to-ten-day post-procedure healing period, to the sealing off of the opening with a filling material or the placement of a crown atop the remains of the tooth, the patient's comfort is always paramount.
As we mentioned above, in reality, root canal procedures, in addition to being an extremely common and effective method for alleviating pain at the moment and preventing further discomfort in the future, are themselves largely, and thankfully, pain-free.
Discover Root Canals from Your Dentist in White Bear Lake, MN
If you're in the White Bear Lake area and think that you may be in need of a root canal, contact dentist Dr. Paul Anderson and the team at White Bear Smiles to schedule a consultation appointment.