Answers to 5 Common Questions About Root Canals

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Root canal treatment is a procedure that is well-known to relieve pain and save your teeth. You are a candidate for a root canal if the roots of your teeth have been infected or inflamed. An endodontist carefully removes the pulp, cleans, disinfects, and shapes your root canals during the procedure. Additionally, the endodontist will also seal the space using a filling. Some people are not conversant with a root canal procedure, taking care of the affected area after the procedure, and other issues concerning the treatment option.

You might be feeling anxious after learning that you need a root canal procedure. However, you do not have to worry because the method is not painful, and it will increase the life of your teeth. These answers should give you knowledge about root canal treatment in Littleton.

What types of sedation are available for a root canal?

Patients are usually concerned about the treatment option being painful. The procedure is painless. The concern about the sedation used during a root canal procedure is also a common one among patients. Endodontists sedate patients, but they do not use string sedations because the procedure is not as intensive as people think. Therefore, you can even drive after the procedure and proceed with your daily activities.

How long does a root canal last?

A root canal can last for several years if there is no decay, cracks, or leakage around the crown or filling. Also, most teeth get retained several years after the root canal treatment as long as you take proper care of them. Therefore, proper care is necessary to extend the lifespan of the root canal treatment.

Why do I need a root canal if the tooth is not bothering me?

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Some people experience tooth pain, but it goes away after taking antibiotics or on its own. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that your teeth are no longer infected because the pain has stopped. Root canal treatment aims at disinfecting the inside of a tooth, which is the source of infection so that the disease doesn’t spread. Surprisingly, some people do not feel pain when their teeth are infected. The infection is sometimes discovered during a clinical examination or routine radiographs.

Is teeth extraction a better alternative than a root canal?

The best treatment option is the one that saves your natural teeth. You might be forced to avoid certain food when you have artificial teeth. Natural teeth are a better option as compared to artificial teeth so that you enjoy an array of food and retain the right nutrient balance in your diet. Therefore, root canal treatment is a better treatment option than tooth extraction because it aims at preserving your natural teeth.

Do I need to worry about aftercare?

Patients always wonder what to expect after a root canal procedure. You will experience soreness and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, but that should not worry you. Some painkillers should help manage the pain.

Now that you have answers to the common questions about a root canal, you can proceed with the procedure. Besides, you are now enlightened about the treatment option. You can ask your dentist more questions to clear your doubts.

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