When it comes to “scary dental procedures,” a root canal tends to be at the top of the list. It’s also one of the top reasons that some people will avoid going to the dentist for years, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, with the advancement of modern dental technology and anesthetics, root canals are really nothing more than a standard dental procedure that you have no need to fear; at least no more than you’d fear a deep filling. Any discomfort following a root canal procedure can usually be relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. That said, if the best dentist in Raleigh has indicated that you need a root canal, you may have questions. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from a root canal procedure in Raleigh.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal in Raleigh is a common procedure; as common as cavity fillings and preserves millions of infected teeth every year. Typically if your dentist suggests a root canal, the tooth can no longer be “saved,” because it’s too heavily infected or dying, but it can be preserved (in much the same way you might “stuff” a dead animal).
Are there any Major Signs or Symptoms that a Root Canal in Raleigh is needed?
If you’ve been receiving treatment with us for any period of time, you know that our goal is to treat any dental issues long before it would be necessary to have a root canal in Raleigh. We can do this if you schedule semi-annual cleaning appointments. However, if you’re new to us, you may have unresolved oral care needs that have escalated to the point of needing a root canal. Here are a few signs or symptoms that you have infected or abscessed teeth, and may require a root canal in Raleigh.
- Sharp pain experienced while chewing or biting
- Lingering tooth sensitivity, especially when eating/drinking hot or cold beverages and food
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Pimples on the gums
- Deep decay in your teeth
- Darkened, swollen, or painful gums
Are Root Canals in Raleigh Painful?
Honestly, the idea of needing a root canal in Raleigh is way more painful than the actual procedure, because a root canal is not that painful. If anything, a root canal will actually relieve a lot of the pain you may have been feeling for months as a result of an infected or abscessed tooth.
What can I expect DURING a Root Canal in Raleigh?
On the day of your root canal procedure, the best dentist in Raleigh will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Some of our patients report that there’s a little pinching during this step, but any discomfort fades quickly. Once the area is numb, your dentist will create an opening in the tooth and remove the infected pulp and nerve at the center. She will then clean out the inside of the tooth and seal it in order to prevent any future infection. Doing this also prevents the infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth, or causing a much more serious problem.
Is there an Alternative to Having a Root Canal?
If your tooth cannot be saved, it would need to be extracted. We are happy to discuss all of your options with you before scheduling a root canal in Raleigh.
What can I expect AFTER a Root Canal in Raleigh?
One of the biggest concerns for needing a root canal is the anticipated pain following the procedure. Root canal “pain” is nothing like the pain of a wisdom tooth extraction. In fact, most of our patients report only some mild pain and sensitivity for a few days following treatment that can often be relieved with some over-the-counter pain killers.
You should also be aware that your dentist may need to place a crown on top of the treated tooth to further protect your tooth. We’ll let you know if this is necessary.
You don’t need to fear having a root canal, but if you’d like to talk with us more about this procedure, call Dr. Katherine E. Garrett and schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome, and we are proud to provide dental care for your entire family in a relaxed environment.
