Having your dentist mentioning ‘root canal’ during a dental exam it’s definitely scary for most patients. However, with the latest advances in dentistry, most root canal procedures are now as comfortable as a general filling.
Root Canal: Top 5 Most Asked Questions
If you need a root canal, then it is normal to have questions about the procedure. Here are 5 of the top questions asked by our patients:
Q: Why is the root canal needed?
A: Decay, a crack, a chip or maybe other dental procedures on a tooth can lead to infection and inflammation in the middle of the tooth. If this infection is left untreated it can lead to the formation of an abscess and of course pain. To prevent or treat this if it’s more advanced we need to remove the pulp contained within the inner part of the tooth.
Q: Is it painful to have a root canal?
A: Nowadays, the root canal treatment is as comfortable as a normal filling. You will receive a local anaesthetic during the treatment, which will give you a pain-free experience whilst the root canal is performed. Plus you will be pain-free once the infection in the tooth is removed.
Q: Is a root canal better than tooth extraction?
A: It is recommended that the natural tooth is saved whenever possible. While there are other replacement options available like bridges and implants, nothing is as good as your own natural tooth. You can avoid extraction with a root canal and keep your original tooth. Also, a root canal is cheaper compared to the cost of extraction followed by an implant to replace the tooth.
Q: How many dental visits do I need to complete my root canal treatment?
It’s mostly case dependent but due to the advancements of endodontic science and technology, the average patient needs one or two visits to the practice.
Q: What should I expect after a root canal treatment?
After your root canal treatment and with the numbing worn off, the severe pain you were experiencing is normally gone. Most people will feel the area tender or sore for a few days while it’s healing, but over-the-counter pain medication can help. Also eating soft foods whilst recovering from the root canal treatment it’s recommended.
If you’re experiencing any tooth pains and you might think you’d need a root canal and would like to book an appointment, Oradent Dental Care is here to help. Find your nearest location on the top menu and call us or request a consultation at your earliest convenience.
