There are certain circumstances where your dentist may recommend you have a root canal, but this procedure is often a bit foreign to most people. Plus, when you include the myriad of myths surrounding root canals, it can make this simple process into something people become wary of. A root canal is not something to be nervous about. In fact, it can bring about an enormous amount of relief and help save your tooth. Here is what you need to know about a root canal.
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
The actual root canals of your teeth are the small tubes that hold the nerves and pulp of your tooth. If these tiny channels become injured or damaged from things like trauma or decay, they can harm the entire tooth. When your tooth becomes damaged, it can lead to tooth loss. Instead, your dentist can go in through the chewing surface, or crown, of your tooth and clean out those channels.
Once the channels are cleaned out, your tooth is often medicated, then packed with a filling, and at times a dental crown is placed over the tooth to help it hold its structure. This can give you back the full use of your tooth for the rest of your life, with proper dental hygiene practices. Then, you no longer have to worry about the harm spreading to other teeth or losing your tooth.
Why Do People Get So Nervous About Such a Simple Procedure?
The biggest reason that people get nervous about root canals is that the procedure has many myths surrounding it. People fear that those myths are true, and avoid the procedure and sometimes even going to their dentist. We are here to help you know that there is nothing to fear. Having a root canal is a smooth and lasting procedure that can save your tooth, and preserve the health of your mouth.
One of the most common myths about root canals is that the process is painful. This is not true for nearly everyone who has it done. Root canals are done while the patient is numb, making it something that most people do not even feel. Plus, once the process is done, it typically brings about relief from pain that was present before the procedure started.
Another common myth about root canals is that they are not as good as removing the tooth. This is totally false. A root canal is used as a way to save your tooth, since extracting the tooth should be the last option considered in nearly all cases. By opting for a root canal, you give yourself the best chances of being able to save your tooth and avoiding a lot of problematic issues that come along with a missing tooth.
For more information about root canals and how they can benefit your oral health, contact the experts at Regent Dental. We can help you decide what treatment is going to be best for your particular situation.
