While it’s best to minimize the risk of root canals by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and gums, if a procedure becomes necessary, you’ll find they aren’t so bad. Let’s take a look at root canals and why you shouldn’t fear them. If you want to learn more or have concerns, contact Dr. Annie Ha at Imperial Smile Dentistry in Yorba Linda, CA to discuss root canal therapy.
Root Canals Are Surprisingly Simple
Years of practice and the advance of medical technologies have helped make root canals surprisingly simple procedures. Local anesthesia is applied and a special dam is used to protect the rest of your mouth and teeth while isolating the specific tooth to be operated on.
From there, a hole is drilled into the tooth and your dentist or dental surgeon will use a suction system to suck out the infected matter. Gutta-percha is then used to fill the tooth and eventually you’ll receive either a crown or filling.
Despite the bad reputation, root canal therapy is about as unpleasant as getting a cavity filled. Sure, you’d rather avoid such a procedure, but once it becomes necessary, it’s usually only a minor inconvenience.
Root Canals Are Typically Completed in One Sitting
Root canals are typically performed in one appointment. Usually, the procedure is completed in 30 minutes to an hour. In other words, your root canal appointment will take about as long as a general dental checkup with your hygienist and dentist.
If you’re worried about pain, remember, local anesthesia can be used. Quite likely, you won’t feel any serious pain during the procedure. You can also communicate with your dental expert if you’re uncomfortable. A few adjustments may help you stay comfortable throughout the root canal procedure.
If you'd like to chat before root canal therapy, visit Imperial Smile Dentistry in Yorba Linda, CA.
Root Canals Are Often Necessary and Protect Your Teeth and Health
Ultimately, if you’re getting root canal therapy, it’s because the procedure is necessary. Without a root canal, the infection may worsen and it may not be limited to your infected tooth. Infections can spread, and you may soon suffer from an extensive mouth infection that’s causing problems with your gums and other tissues.
A root canal can save your tooth. Instead of having to completely replace your tooth with a dental implant and crown, you may be able to simply fill it. Not only does this allow you to keep your natural teeth, but it may also reduce costs.
Ultimately, good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist may reduce the risk of a tooth infection and a subsequent root canal. Still, if a root canal becomes necessary, don’t fret. You’ll likely find out that they aren’t too big of a deal.
Call Imperial Smile Dentistry at (714) 524-3368 in Yorba Linda, CA, and speak with Dr. Ha about root canal therapy and other procedures.