The mere mention of the term “root canal” is enough to inspire some degree of panic and fear in the hearts of just about all who hear it. Such a reaction is deeply unfair because, despite their rather intimidating reputation, root canals are very common, straightforward, and generally painless dental procedures.
Today, we’re discussing what exactly a root canal is, debunking some myths associated with the procedure, and exploring the benefits to patients of root canal therapy.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a dental procedure in which a tooth´s damaged or decayed ¨pulp¨ – the living soft tissue of a tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue – is removed. By removing the infected or injured pulp, a dentist is able to stop further decay in a tooth, alleviate a patient’s pain (which is often quite severe), and save some portion of the natural tooth.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal becomes necessary after bacteria that has entered a tooth through a crack or an untreated cavity is left untreated. This can result in a condition known as “pulpitis,” which is the inflammation and infection of the tooth’s pulp. Symptoms of pulpitis include rather painful toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, and pain in the jaw. If neglected, pulpitis can lead to an abscess (collection of pus) in the infected area, which can ultimately result in tooth loss.
What To Expect From a Root Canal Procedure
A dentist begins a root canal procedure by cleaning the damaged tooth and the gums surrounding it and then, to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the treatment, numbs the area with a local anesthetic.
Once the area in question is sufficiently numb, using special instruments, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans out the remaining empty space, and seals it, both preventing bacteria from re-entering the tooth and creating an environment for healthy tissue to grow back.
Following a root canal procedure, a patient will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and instructed to take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Typically, this post-procedure recovery period lasts about seven to ten days. Once this recovery period is complete and the success of the procedure is confirmed, the patient and dentist will choose between the long-term options of sealing off the opening of the remainder of the tooth with filling material or capping it with a dental crown.
Debunking Root Canal Myths
Root canal therapy often gets a bad rap due to several unfounded myths. The most common misconception about root canal procedures, which is frequently reinforced in popular culture, is that they are extremely painful. This is completely untrue. Not only are root canals significantly less painful than TV and movies would suggest, but whatever discomfort is involved with the procedure is minimal compared to the conditions that necessitate the procedure. In fact, thanks to advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, root canals are actually relatively painless.
Another less common myth is that root canals cause illness or spread infection. This, too, is completely inaccurate. As we just noted above, root canal therapy’s primary goal is the elimination and prevention of infection and disease, not the other way around!
Finally, some people believe that the extraction of a decayed tooth is preferable to root canal therapy. This is also a misnomer, as root canals allow a dentist to save at least some portion of the natural tooth, which helps to maintain a patient’s natural bite, is good for the health of the gums, prevents misalignment among surrounding teeth, and helps to maintain jawbone density.
A consultation with a dentist can help not only dispel these myths but also inform a patient of the numerous benefits of root canal therapy.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers a variety of benefits to a patient’s dental and overall health.
First and foremost, root canal therapy relieves pain, which, in such cases, can be quite severe. Secondly, a root canal saves the patient’s natural tooth, which, as we just discussed, is vital for maintaining proper biting and chewing function, preventing shifting among adjacent teeth, and maintaining the strength, shape, and aesthetics of the mouth.
Additionally, root canal therapy eliminates infection and helps to prevent further complications, which can include infections that can spread to other areas of the body and cause other serious health problems.
Finally, a root canal offers a long-term solution! In addition to providing immediate relief from pain and infection, the positive effects of root canal therapy, with a crown placed and proper post-procedure care, can generally be expected to last for well over a decade!
Root Canal Therapy in Smyrna, GA
If you’re in the Smyrna, GA area, think you might require root canal therapy and would like to learn more, contact dentist Dr. Ryo Hosaka and the team at Hosaka Family Dental to schedule a consultation appointment.