Why You Shouldn’t Fear Your Root Canal

Regardless of how “tough” you think you are, an infected tooth is nearly impossible to ignore. When a tooth becomes infected, it can be extremely painful as well as jeopardize the health and livelihood of the entire tooth. What can save that tooth and bring you out of pain? A root canal.

Root canals offer one of the only treatments to remove the infection from inside the canals of the tooth and save it from extraction. Before you wince at the name of this popular endodontic treatment, you should know that there are plenty of misconceptions about root canals. Contrary to common belief, root canals are not a tortuous procedure from your dentist. In fact, root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled.

How a Root Canal Helps

The inner canals of your teeth are the most vulnerable to decay and infection. The softer pulp inside the tooth can quickly be eaten away by decay, which is why it is protected by the tough enamel and outer shell of tooth material. When bacteria find a way inside the tooth, it can quickly lead to infection. This can cause abscesses, or inflammation, that presses on the nerves inside the canals, causing pain and discomfort. Once this occurs, the tooth begins to die and the only way to save it is to remove the infected pulp and damaged nerves through a root canal.

Root Canals Relieve Pain Not Bring Pain

Sometimes the first and only sign of an infected tooth is pain. Other symptoms can include discolorations and bad breath. But pain is what often spurs a call to the dentist to get relief. Many people cringe when they hear they need a root canal, but it is not a procedure to fear. It is the quickest and most effective way to stop the pain while preserving the tooth. The technology we use at Johns Creek Dental Studio allows our team to expediently remove the diseased tooth material, disinfect the inner canals of the tooth and repack/reseal it. Once the infection is gone, so is the severe pain. We put a dental crown on the tooth to protect it from damage and your tooth is almost as good as new again.

If you have severe tooth pain, don’t assume that it will take an uncomfortable procedure to restore your comfort. Call our Johns Creek office today to learn more about our painless root canal techniques.