How to Overcome the Fear of Root Canal Treatment?

Have you been advised root canal treatment and are fearful about the procedure? You may be tempted to avoid the surgery, but it is strongly suggested that you visit the Anchorage dentist and discuss the consequences of preventing root canal therapy.

The advice from the Anchorage dentist will scare you even further because the only alternative to root canal therapy is the extraction of the affected tooth. The removal may seem easier than undergoing a root canal. Still, if you consider the time and money you will spend at the dentist’s office for artificial tooth restorations, your fears of root canal treatment will disappear from your mind to prepare you adequately for the process.

Why Are Root Canals Performed?

The procedure is performed to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal within your tooth. The elimination prevents reinfection of the tooth and helps to preserve the natural tooth. When you confirm your acceptance to undergo the therapy, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and the insights of your tooth are cleaned carefully and disinfected before being filled and sealed.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The procedure helps relieve the pain you are experiencing and preserving your natural tooth. If your dentist or endodontist recommends the root canal procedure for treating a diseased or damaged tooth, there is no need for you to be worried about the process. Millions of teeth recover from treatments like these and are preserved by making them healthy again.

Within your tooth and beneath the layer of enamel is another hard layer known as dentin, and beneath the dentin is a soft layer known as dental pulp. Blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that help the root of your tooth to grow during its development are housed in the dental pulp. Fully developed teeth can survive without the pulp because they receive nourishment from the tissues surrounding them.

Modern-day root canals are performed by qualified Endodontists and not the neighborhood barber as it was done earlier. The procedure is simple and is completed in a couple of appointments depending on the condition of the affected tooth and your circumstances. Would you believe if told that the process is relatively painless? You would probably laugh your way out of the dentist’s office until Anchorage Dental Arts convinces you by explaining how anesthesia will make the procedure seem nothing more than having a tooth filled. You will be back in biting, chewing, and smiling with ease shortly.

It Makes Sense to Undergo the Root Canal Procedure

Preserving your natural tooth by undergoing root canal treatment makes more sense than having your tooth extracted. The procedure also makes it possible for you to continue chewing efficiently, have a natural appearance, enjoy regular biting force and sensation, and, most importantly, protect your other teeth from excessive strain or wear.

How to Determine If You Need Root Canal Yourselves?

A root canal becomes necessary if you have a cracked tooth from injury or genetics. Deep cavities or issues from an earlier filling also necessitate root canal procedure. If you notice sensitivity in your teeth, particularly to hot and cold temperatures, it is a confirmation that you need treatment on the pulp within your tooth. Other symptoms that may indicate the need for this procedure include:

• You experience severe pain when biting or chewing.
• You have a chipped or cracked tooth or pimples on the gums.
• Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is experienced even after the sensation is removed.
• You have deep decay or darkening of the gums along with swelling and tenderness.

Are Root Canals Painful?

You can discuss anesthesia with your dentist to comfort you during the procedure. Depending on the level of your anxiety, the Anchorage dentist may offer sedation dentistry along with local anesthesia to make you comfortable during the process. You will undoubtedly experience soreness after the procedure, and the discomfort will remain with you for a few days. However, you can find relief from over-the-counter pain medications or even request your dentist to prescribe stronger medications.

After you recover from the procedure, you must revisit your dentist to have a dental crown over the affected tooth for protection. The crown will ensure you have your natural smile back again and allow you to enjoy the foods you love as you weren’t able to have before undergoing the root canal procedure.