Getting a Root Canal isn’t as Scary as You Think: Here’s Why

I need a root canal. Now what?

When you hear the words “root canal,” what goes through your mind? With how prevalent dental anxiety is, it’s likely that the words bring a sense of fear into your heart. It’s common for people to be anxious about the idea of getting this type of restorative treatment, but that’s what this article is for: to put your fears to rest and let you know that the root canal has been redeveloped. Now, modern techniques are ready to make the procedure simple and virtually pain-free.

What is a Root Canal?

First things first: what exactly is a root canal? There are multiple reasons why a person might need a root canal, but the procedure is usually done to save a damaged or infected tooth. During this treatment, the goal is to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. Once this is done, everything is completely disinfected so that there is no chance for that earlier infection to spread any further. 

Without this procedure, it is common for a person to lose the tooth entirely, or for an infection to spread to other teeth, or even the jawbone. A root canal’s job is to relieve pain, not cause it! In fact, this treatment is a type of preventative dentistry, meaning the entire goal is to prevent further damage to your teeth. 

Why Root Canals Aren’t as Scary as They Seem

Now to get to the good stuff: why you don’t need to be scared of root canals. Technology has come a long way, and that has done countless good for anything dental related, including root canals!

Advanced Technology

Gone are the days of getting X-rays and viewing them with a light on the wall. Digital imaging has taken its place. These provide much more exact results, ensuring that the dental team can see even the tiniest imperfection in the tooth

With better imaging, better instruments are needed. We here at Lake Pointe Dental Group use precise instruments to improve the comfort of all of our patients! 

Local Anesthesia 

If you’ve had any sort of procedure in the past, you know the magic of anesthesia. Anesthesia comes in multiple forms, some of which leave you awake, but in a pain-free, peaceful world, others that give you the best nap of your life. Root canals are a procedure that involves local anesthesia. This ensures that they are completely painless due to our effective numbing techniques.

Quick and Efficient 

Many people think that if you need a root canal, it is a long, drawn-out procedure. Thankfully, most root canals are completed in one or two visits. True, this can vary, depending on your specific situation. Sometimes, more work is needed to get your smile in the best shape possible. Never be afraid to ask us any questions about the timeline, as we will be able to give you the best answer for you and your specific situation.

Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

You might be wondering what the actual benefits of getting this type of restorative treatment is. Can’t you just get a filling and move on with life? Root canals are done when the damage is extensive enough that a filling isn’t enough to relieve the pain. But relieving the pain isn’t the only goal. A root canal is also meant to help restore the function of your tooth. With the help of this treatment, you will have restored dental function, you won’t have to worry about missing teeth, or whether or not you need to get implants or dentures in the future.

Going without a root canal means you will be dealing with a tooth as it continues to decay. This is certain to be more painful and potentially detrimental to your smile. 

How to Prepare for Your Root Canal

If you’re one of the many people who are dealing with dental anxiety one way or another, you might be wondering how to get yourself into that office for the root canal. First things first, we firmly believe that communication is the key to helping avoid unnecessary fear. Never be afraid to ask us any questions. You are likely aware that dentists are known for chatting away to their patients. So you can imagine that chatting away with us is something we enjoy.

You don’t have to worry about your questions being ridiculous either, we’ve heard them all. And again, we would rather you leave confident that you know all of the answers, than floundering, wondering what to expect.

An Effective Way to Preserve a Smile

Rest assured that root canals are a completely safe, effective way to preserve a smile. With how technology is constantly evolving, the process has become both streamlined and pain-free. All while still providing you with the results you want.

If you think you are a candidate for a root canal, the first step is to schedule a consultation. You can do so online in just a few clicks. You can trust us at Lake Pointe Dental Group for expert care!