Root canal procedures have a bad reputation that just won’t go away, it seems. Those myths, and some of the “horror” stories about root canals, are holdovers from the late 19th and early 20th-century. Dentistry wasn’t nearly advanced then as it is now.

The horror stories about pain are still going around today, usually from people who haven’t experienced a root canal. With modern pain medication and dental sedation, having a root canal is no more painful than getting a filling. As to the myths, it’s not true that root canals spread infection into the body; quite the opposite. Removing disease tissue from inside the tooth helps prevent bacteria from getting into the bloodstream.

Modern root canal procedures have outstanding success rates, particularly if good oral hygiene is maintained and the patient has regular dental cleanings and checkups. With today’s root canals, patients can save their natural teeth instead of losing them to extraction. Keeping your own tooth is always less expensive than getting a replacement.

What Is A Root Canal?

Root canals are endodontic (inside the tooth) procedures that remove the pulp – the soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. The procedure is pretty straightforward.

Dr. LoCascio will thoroughly numb the area and then open the top of the tooth. Using small, precision files, he’ll carefully remove the contents of the tooth, taking care to get all the way to the bottom of the root canals. If needed, he’ll insert a small amount of an antibacterial agent to ensure that all infection is eliminated. The tooth is sealed and a filling may be placed or the tooth may be covered with a crown.

The vast majority of root canals take less than an hour.

How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may need a root canal:

  • Severe tooth pain that starts suddenly and increases rapidly
  • Severe tooth pain when you chew or apply pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures even after the liquid or food has been removed
  • A tooth has become discolored or darkened Discoloration
  • Nearby gums are swollen and/or tender
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

Sometimes there are no symptoms, which is another good reason to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations.

The Benefits Of A Root Canal

As already noted, keeping your natural tooth is best. With that said, the provided tooth structure has to be strong and intact enough to keep doing its job. A strong tooth with firmly-anchored roots can have a very long lifespan.

Cost is another factor. Even getting a crown to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal is many times less expensive than a dental bridge or a dental implant.

One immediate benefit to having a root canal is that severe dental pain and its cause are immediately eliminated. Once the nerve is removed, no more pain signals to the brain. Another benefit is that any present dental infection is removed and/or treated at the site. That’s your best guarantee that infection won’t recur or spread.

Don’t Take Chances With Your Teeth

If you’re experiencing severe dental pain, there is always a reason. Trying to tough out the pain is the worst thing you can do. If you have infection and it spreads, you risk losing the tooth.

If you’re in the Highland, MI Township, called Highland Advanced Dental care at 248-329-3552 for an appointment.