Often the most feared of all of the dental procedures Premier Dental Care in Watertown offers, root canals seem to have gotten an unfairly negative reputation over the last several years. Find out the truth about root canals here.
What are Root Canals?
Tooth decay doesn't just happen on the surface of your teeth. It can find its way deep within your tooth to your tooth's root as well. When your tooth's root becomes infected and inflamed, a root canal is needed to clean out the infection and save the tooth before it falls out or has to be removed.
To perform a root canal, your dentist will drill into your tooth to access the tooth's root, so they can clean out the infection. Once this is done, the space is then refilled to prevent further infection from creeping in. Lastly, your tooth is fitted with a crown to cover the hole the dentist made during the procedure.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thanks to the modern technology available at Premier Dental Care in Watertown, a root canal doesn't have to be painful at all. With anesthesia, the procedure should feel no more painful than simply having a filling placed. In fact, many patients are surprised when they discover how uneventful the procedure actually is.
While slight pain or discomfort is common during the few days after the procedure, it can generally be reduced or eliminated by taking an over-the-counter pain medication.
Do Root Canals Cause Infection?
Root canals do not cause infection - they remove it. This myth is based on very old research which has yet to be replicated or proven. In addition, infections are far less common today generally, thanks to modern medicine and improved hygiene practices.
If your tooth is infected or inflamed, don't let fear or misinformation keep you from seeking the dental treatment you need. Call Premier Dental Care in Watertown to find out if a root canal or other dental procedure is right for you.