A root canal is an integral dental treatment that is used to save a tooth from needing to be extracted. These procedures are safe and effective and rarely cause any major complications. Many people feel nervous about getting any dental work done so is it is important individuals are aware of answers to the most common questions patients have regarding root canal procedures.

Why are Root Canals Needed?

There are multiple reasons a Family Dentist may perform a root canal on a patient. This procedure is carried out when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The following are some of the common reasons a person might need a root canal.

  • Severe decay
  • Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
  • A crown that has failed
  • Tooth damage

If pulp inflammation is left untreated, it could lead to severe tooth pain because of the development of an abscess. Prompt intervention can help save the tooth and protect a person’s oral health.

5 Answers to Commonly Asked Root Canal Questions

People often have a lot of questions when they discover they need a root canal procedure. The following are some of the most common questions and answers.

  1. Does a root canal hurt? Although root canals seem to have a bad reputation, they do not cause any more pain than a typical tooth filling would. In fact, many people come in with severe pain from their teeth and find great relief after their root canal has been completed.
  2. Is there an alternative to root canals? The only alternative treatment to a root canal is having the tooth extracted. Most people want to keep their teeth as long as possible so they opt to go through with the root canal procedure.
  3. Do root canals fail? While no dental procedure can offer a 100% guarantee, root canals have an 85-90% success rate. Having a failed root canal is not a failure at all. In a few people, infections can develop but these can easily be treated by the dentist.
  4. Is a root canal bad for your health? While there have been claims root canals can cause overall health concerns, these have been unfounded. A root canal is beneficial in stopping infections and preventing them.
  5. Does a root canal cause the tooth to die? This is a common misconception because the inner pulp and nerve tissues are removed. When a root canal is carried out on an adult tooth, the procedure does not remove anything that is vital to the health of the tooth.

What to Expect from a Root Canal

Once a patient is completely numb, the dentist will make a small opening in the tooth so the chambers can be cleaned out. The diseased pulp and nerves will be removed and then the tooth is filled with a substance called gutta-percha. To finish the procedure, the dentist will fill the tooth and seal it. Some people will need a crown to further protect their tooth.

Conclusion

If your dentist has stated a root canal is needed, the above information should be helpful. Root canal procedures are important for saving teeth and they can also protect the health of your surrounding teeth.

This procedure is carried out in the dental office under a local anesthetic so you will feel no discomfort. With this treatment, you can avoid the need to have your tooth extracted so your smile stays intact.

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