FAQs About Root Canals

Going to the dentist can cause an increase in anxiety in a lot of people. Comedies love to make it a trope, and root canals are a go-to gimmick. This can lead to a lot of questions that go unanswered. Dr. Brett Goymerac with Washington Dental, serving Marquette, MI, can answer these and more general dentistry questions.

FAQs About Root Canals

What makes a root canal necessary?

Sometimes, decay or another penetration (such as a previous dental procedure) of the surface of the tooth can cause an infection to get inside the tooth. Left untreated, it may form an abscess. The internal infected or inflamed pulp will need to be removed to prevent further damage.

Are root canals painful?

The root canal process is highly exaggerated in movies and TV. At our office in Marquette, MI, this isn’t the case. There may be some discomfort from the tooth being affected, but no more than a typical filling. With the advancements made in modern general dentistry and pain management, root canals can be experienced with minimal pain.

If there is no pain, is a root canal necessary?

It is entirely possible. Depending on the level of decay or infection, it may not be able to be treated efficiently from the surface. If inflammation or infection has spread beneath the surface of the enamel, there is a chance it will get to the pulp of the tooth. At this point, the pulp can not be treated with medication and must be removed. Not treating it will lead to further decay and possibly an abscess. 

Would it be better to remove the tooth?

If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it may be better to remove the tooth. Else, root canals are often significantly less expensive and leave you with a fully-functioning tooth. In situations where tooth removal may be more economic than a root canal, this does not account for the cost of replacing even a single tooth. Additionally, no artificial tooth can fully replace the natural tooth that is in good enough condition to save.

If you have additional questions about root canals or general dentistry, Dr. Brett Goymerac can answer them. To schedule a consultation, contact Washington Dental, serving Marquette, MI, at (906) 228-4646. 

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