Common Questions About Root Canals

Are you one of the many dental patients who hears the words 'root canal' and is filled with dread? You're not alone! The root canal is one of the most commonly feared dental procedures, but you may be surprised to know that they aren't as bad as you think.

Understanding a procedure often helps reduce anxiety surrounding it. The root canal treatment is necessary when tissues inside the tooth, called 'pulp,' become infected. Deep decay, such as cavities, a chip, or a crack on the tooth surface, can lead to an infection inside the tooth. This infection can spread down through the root canals of the teeth into the gum tissues, forming a painful abscess that must be treated. The root canal involves removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

But when do you need a root canal? If you notice some of the following signs, it's time to see your dentist:

Sensitivity to hot and cold in one specific tooth
Sensitivity to touch or while chewing
Inflammation around the tooth
Electric sensation when eating sweet foods
Toothache that requires over-the-counter pain relievers

Pulpectomy Vs. Pulpotomy

There are two different kinds of root canals. Pulpectomies remove the infected part of the whole tooth. The dentist dives deep into both the canals and the crown. Afterward, the tooth is often topped with a dental crown. This makes sure that the tooth is still usable and strong.

Pulpotomies remove the infection from just the crown of the tooth. A tooth is usually a little more stable if only a pulpotomy is used. If the dentist believes your tooth is still unstable, a dental crown will be added after this procedure as well

Both of these procedures can also be performed on children. Even if these procedures are done on primary teeth, they pave the way for better oral health and for fewer problems with their permanent teeth later on.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Patient comfort and safety are our priority, so when treatment begins, you will be given enough numbing solution to prevent pain. Once you are numb, your dentist drills down into the infected tooth to remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and root canals. Adult teeth do not require the pulp to be intact in all teeth, as the tooth will continue receiving nutrients from surrounding tissues.

Next, the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material to fill the space where the pulp once was. In some cases, where tooth decay has made the tooth unstable, a tiny metal rod may be placed to hold the tooth in place in the gums.

After the tooth is filled, the restoration process can begin. A custom-fitted crown is placed on top of your tooth to permanently seal it against future decay. This crown is matched to the natural hue of your teeth, so you will be unable to detect it once your tooth has healed. After a few days, you will be able to chew, speak, and smile normally without discomfort and infection.

Why the Bad Reputation?

Many people avoid root canals due to the belief that the procedure will be painful or because they may have heard of complications from the procedure. Root canals may have been painful decades ago, but with our modern technology and anesthetics, the procedure is similar to having a filling placed. As far as the horror stories, there was a myth propagated by poor research about a hundred years ago that root canal treatment led to being susceptible to illnesses and disease. However, this was before the causes of these diseases and their transmission were fully understood.

At Double A Dental Group, we aim to make you as comfortable as possible throughout this procedure. The area around the tooth will be completely numbed. If you're too nervous or have severe dental anxiety, sedation can be arranged. This procedure does involve the use of a drill, the sound of which can heighten anxiety.

Comfortable Root Canal Treatment in Montclair, CA