Root canals have the reputation of being painful and scary. In reality, the procedure is common and thanks to modern dentistry, it isn’t painful! Living with a severe tooth infection is much worse. Still, you might be wondering if there are alternatives to root canals.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
When a tooth experiences severe decay or trauma, the pulp inside can become infected. You’ll experience symptoms like pain, sensitivity, and tender gums. Infections don’t get better on their own and they can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist when you notice symptoms.
What’s the Process of a Root Canal?
When you get a root canal, we will numb the area, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. We’ll drill a small hole in the infected tooth and remove the pulp with special tools. Antibiotics are applied to the area, so the infection heals and doesn’t spread. We’ll then fill the hole with a biocompatible material to replace the pulp we removed. The tooth is sealed and protected with a crown. The root canal process can last 30-60 minutes and you’ll immediately feel better! You might have some discomfort over the next few days, but over-the-counter painkillers are all that’s needed.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canals?
Extraction is the main alternative to a root canal. We prioritize saving your natural tooth, so we won’t remove it unless a root canal isn’t possible. The recovery time for extraction is longer and there’s more pain, so we prefer root canals. If you do need an extraction, you’ll then need to replace the tooth with a restoration like an implant.
Root Canals Aren’t Scary At Helotes Family Dentistry
Root canals are not a rare, painful procedure. Putting off a root canal feels much worse. At our Helotes office, we understand that you might still be nervous, so we’ll be sure to create a stress-free environment. In addition to local numbing, we offer sedation options that help with more serious anxiety. Contact us today with any questions or to set up an appointment!
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