Root canals are simply a way for dentists to inflict pain on unwitting patients so they have funny stories to tell all their dentist friends at their next dentist party.
It sounds ridiculous, but that’s how scary root canals are to many people!
The reputation of this procedure has long been the worst in dentistry, and much of it has to do with horror stories from people who suffered from traumatic treatments years and years ago, or perhaps even recently, from dentists who just didn’t have the modern tools and comforts that make the procedure at our practice so much easier!
Your Rochester dentist at Northwest Dental Group hopes to change the way you see root canals in just three easy steps!
Step #1 – Understand That Root Canals Help You!
Most of the time, a root canal begins when a patient comes to us with an intense, throbbing toothache. That’s because bacteria has made its way to the inside of the tooth and infected the pulp, leading to intense pain that ordinary pain relievers just can’t help.
Here are a few common reasons a tooth becomes infected:
- An untreated cavity grows larger and eats through the enamel
- The tooth has been injured, chipped, or cracked
- After years of fillings and restorations, the tooth is too damaged
- An old restoration, like a filling, hasn’t managed to block out decay
Any of these issues can lead to dental pain, and that’s why you should never try to ignore it just because you’re afraid you might need a root canal.
The truth is that root canals don’t cause pain.
They end it!
Step #2 – Know How Modern Root Canals Are Performed!
An infected tooth isn’t just painful, but it’s a larger threat to your oral and overall health.
If you put off treatment, the infection can spread from the tooth to your jawbone, gums, surrounding teeth, and worse, to your bloodstream.
That’s a risk you don’t want to take!
To keep the infection from spreading any further, and after a thorough dental exam to determine your exact needs, we will perform a root canal that looks something like this:
- First, we numb that area of your mouth so your procedure is painless.
- After you’re completely numb, we make a tiny hole in the tooth.
- We carefully remove the infected pulp through the hole and gently sanitize it.
- We then fill the hole back up with a special material to keep bacteria out.
- Finally, we seal the tooth, often finishing off the root canal with a custom dental crown.
Step #3 – Accept Help From Dental Sedation!
Now you know what actually goes on during a root canal procedure and that we use the latest, patient-friendly technology to ensure your comfort.
But still, it’s not enough to silence the screams in your head about the most dreaded of all dental treatments, right?
It’s understandable, but we assure you there is nothing to fear when you visit us in Rochester.
First, we make our surroundings as cozy as possible so you feel more at home. You can relax with a warm blanket, soft pillow, and even take in your favorite show on the TV screen and headphones to drown out the environment.
But you also have the luxury of our dental sedation, from laughing gas to stronger pre-treatment options, so that you’re completely relaxed and calm throughout your procedure.
You’re Almost There!
Just one more step left, and that’s to give us a call to make an appointment with your Rochester dentist. We can talk to you about any fears or concerns you have about a root canal procedure and offer ways to make you feel more comfortable.
In no time, your toothache will be far behind you with better oral health ahead, leading you to a pain-free holiday season.
Call Northwest Dental Group today at 507-315-2932 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
