There is no other dental procedure in the dental industry that scares people the most than root canal therapy in Indian Land. It happens because there is much misinformation out there.
Our endodontic dentist in Indian Land wants to debunk the most common myths and bring you the truth about root canal therapy near you.
What is a Root Canal?
First, you need to know what a root canal is. It is a dental procedure that removes the infected nerve of a tooth to avoid the infection from spreading further, causing you to lose the tooth.
It is true that a long time ago, this procedure was annoying for the patient. It was too long, sometimes painful, and needed more than one dental visit. Now, modern dentistry has led to the simplicity of dental treatments. Our patients state that it is a no bigger deal than when they get a dental filling.
Why Does the Nerve Get Infected?
The most common cause of nerve infection is tooth decay. When you have one, if untreated, it keeps growing and reaches the pulp (where the nerve and blood vessels are), which is in the center of the dental piece. Another cause is dental trauma, leading to a crack that may expose the tooth’s nerve.
What are the Symptoms that Need a Root Canal?
When the pulp is inflamed, you may feel:
- Pain – Your tooth will ache randomly or when eating and drinking hot/cold foods/drinks.
- Sensitivity – You may develop sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
- Tooth discoloration – Your dental piece may become darker.
- Asymptomatic – Sometimes, patients don’t feel a thing, but they have an infection. In these cases, the tooth is necrotic (dead), but they still need to undergo root canal therapy in Indian Land.
If you feel related to any of the above, it’s time to look for an endodontic dentist near you. And fear not. Root canal therapy is not the monster people say it is.
Let’s debunk the myths!
The Most Common Myths About a Root Canal
Myth 1 – The Root Canal is Painful
Sometimes, people confuse the pain of an infected tooth with the treatment itself. During a root canal, your endodontist will previously administer a local anesthetic to manage any discomfort during the procedure.
When the root canal treatment is over, the pain will reduce, and during the next couple of days, it will cease.
Myth 2 – You Need Too Many Appointments
It usually takes a single appointment. In some cases, it may need two dental visits if your doctor decides to leave medication inside the canals.
Myth 3 – If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, I Don’t Need a Root Canal
As we mentioned before, sometimes, your tooth has been infected for so long that it dies, and you have no symptoms. If untreated, the infection will keep spreading, harming your jawbone.
An endodontic dentist near you must treat the infection before any of the above occurs.
Myth 4 – Root Canal Treatment is Temporary
Some patients believe that the root canal will last a few years only. A root canal may last for decades if the patient takes proper oral care.
Every year that we keep the tooth inside the mouth is a win. Your natural tooth is always going to be better than any artificial device.
After the treatment, the tooth is brittle, so you must not chew with that side of the mouth, and be careful until you get your permanent restoration (a dental crown).
If you have more questions, you may contact our dental clinic in Indian Land at your best convenience.