“Root Canal!” For some patients, those two words send shivers down their spine. A long, long time ago, root canals were painful—as were many dental procedures—because of a lack of research and patient-centered care. What many patients don’t realize, however, is that modern dentistry has revolutionized the root canal! Now, root canal treatment is used to relieve pain rather than cause it. Unfortunately, root canal’s bad reputation persists in the modern era. At East Longmeadow Family Dental, we strive to destigmatize the root canal and embrace the smile-saving procedure it actually is! If you are experiencing tooth pain, visit East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today to learn if a root canal can help!
Debunking Root Canal Treatment Myths
There are several common misconceptions about root canals that still carry on today. These myths include:
- Root canals are painful: It’s very common for patients to believe that root canal treatment is painful. Thankfully, it’s quite the opposite! Because we use a local anesthetic, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. While some pain or discomfort is common after a root canal, it’s easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are experiencing tooth pain, a root canal may be able to help!
- Extractions are better: Some believe extracting the tooth would be less painful or easier than a root canal. This is not the case. We strive to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Root canal treatment allows us to save your tooth, preventing you from suffering the consequences of lost teeth. Overall, a root canal causes much less pain in a patient’s life than an extraction would.
- Root canals take long: Root canals not only have a reputation for being painful but also long and drawn-out procedures. In reality, a root canal usually only takes one or two visits and is a relatively simple procedure. Unless you need sedation dentistry due to extenuating circumstances, you can often leave on your own post-procedure with no trouble.
- Root canals are temporary: Many believe a root canal is a temporary fix for a tooth that will soon need to be extracted. This is false! Root canals are long-lasting solutions that prevent your teeth from requiring extraction. If done well and taken care of properly, your root canal could last you decades.
East Longmeadow Family Dental Center provides root canal treatment for patients like you to offer pain relief and save your tooth from extraction!
The Real Root Canal Treatment
The root canal treatment process is simple.
Consultation
We first start with a free consultation. At this appointment, we will discuss your symptoms to better understand your problem. Then, we perform a complimentary dental exam, thoroughly inspecting your smile and taking X-rays to create a personalized treatment plan for you. If you are in need of a root canal, we will discuss sedation options and the cost of your procedure. With a plan and a scheduled appointment, we will send you on your way!
Removal
At the procedural appointment, we will numb the treatment area and administer any sedation methods as previously discussed. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we provide two kinds of sedation: nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation. Once you are comfortable, we will place a rubber dam over your healthy teeth to isolate your decaying tooth. Then, we will make a small hole at the top of your tooth to access the pulp, which lies within the inner pulp chamber of your root canal.
Dental pulp is a collection of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. If your pulp becomes infected, it can be extremely painful, and the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and other teeth. One of the best solutions to this problem is a root canal, which removes pulp while keeping the tooth intact. Using specialized dental tools, we remove your decaying pulp and flush out your roots to remove debris.
Fortification
Once the root canal is clean, we will fill it with a special dental material to prevent bacteria from reentering the canals. After a root canal, we place a dental crown on top to protect your tooth from further infection and to fortify your tooth’s structure! At your root canal appointment, we will place a temporary filling and take impressions of your tooth to have a personalized dental crown fabricated. When your final crown arrives, we will cement it over your natural tooth to provide a healthy and seamless smile!
Visit East Longmeadow Family Dental Center To Save Your Tooth!
Despite what many believe, root canals alleviate more tooth pain than they cause. Root canal treatment is a very simple and common procedure, often providing necessary pain relief. With a root canal, we can save your natural tooth from extraction! If you are experiencing dental pain, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Book a free consultation at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center to know if a root canal can save your tooth!
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