Hearing that you need a root canal in Winnipeg is surely one of the most dreaded things at the dentist’s office. Most of us are scared about this treatment due to exaggerated claims about the level of pain and discomfort associated with it. However, having a clear and accurate idea about this procedure can help to reduce any irrational fears you may have. It also helps to make the treatment process easier and more convenient for the root canal dentist and yourself. More knowledge always leads to less fear.
In this article, we will briefly discuss 7 important factors everyone should know about root canal therapy.
1. Pain subsiding does not mean you do not need root canal treatment
There are many people who try to tolerate a toothache and delay going to the dentist for various reasons. You experience pain when bacteria attack the tooth’s pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If you wait too long, the pulp may die and the pain can disappear, but the next stage is an infection that travels to the roots. Therefore, see your dentist as soon as you experience pain and discomfort before your infection spreads.
2. Taking antibiotics does not cure tooth infections
When you first experience a toothache due to an infection, one of the first thoughts that most people have is to try and treat it with antibiotics. However, the working mechanism of antibiotics includes reaching the infected site through the bloodstream. Due to the location of this tooth infection, antibiotic medicine cannot effectively reach the infection in order to treat it.
3. The procedure does not cause pain
Even though root canal treatments have a bad reputation for causing pain, from the beginning of the procedure to the end, it has multiple steps to reduce any kind of pain that you may have. You will be given a local anesthetic to fully numb the affected area. Most patients claim that root canal therapy is not any more painful than getting a cavity filled.
4. It has a healing period
While the treatment itself does not cause pain, you are likely to feel sore and uncomfortable afterward until it fully heals. Dentists often recommend regular painkillers and sometimes recommend medication to accelerate the healing process. It is important to rest well and consume soft foods to allow your body to heal faster. After a few days, many people are able to return to their regular lifestyle.
5. Aftercare is important
A root canal treatment may save your tooth, but it also weakens it. Therefore, it is important to take extra care of that particular tooth to ensure it does not eventually break or fall off. Ideally, your dentist in East st Paul will attach a crown for extra protection. If not, make sure you understand your dentist’s instructions to properly care for your tooth after treatment.
6. It is not an invincible treatment
Root canal treatment and crowns often last over 15 years with good care and maintenance. However, it does not make your tooth fully invincible from future damage caused by cavities or gum disease. Therefore, you will need to take extra care of your teeth and keep the oral cavity clean at all times. Always be sure to visit your dentist at least once every 6 months to prevent any further damage.
7. It saves you from pulling your tooth
With all that said, receiving root canal treatment helps you save your tooth and smile. The only other option to treat infected or inflamed pulp is through extraction. Root canals are a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment.