Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure to salvage a badly infected or decayed tooth. Though the term "root canal" sends shivers down people's spines, modern dental practices have made the procedure faster and less painful than ever. Here's what you can anticipate before, during, and after the root canal treatment.
Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Is Extremely Painful
Myth 2: Tooth Extraction Is Better Than a Root Canal
Fact: Saving your natural tooth is always the best choice. A root canal saves the tooth structure, keeps it aligned, and avoids jawbone loss. Extraction might be a quick solution, but it usually results in other procedures such as implants or bridges, which cost more and take longer.
Myth 3: You Only Need a Root Canal If You're in Pain
Fact: Although pain is the most frequent symptom, not every tooth requiring a root canal is painful. At times, a tooth could be infected or damaged without any symptoms being apparent. Regular check-ups with the dentist and X-rays can identify such cases early on to prevent complications.
Myth 4: Root Canals Cause Illness
Fact: This is an old myth based on poorly designed studies from almost a hundred years ago. Contemporary studies have discovered no scientific basis for the notion of root canal treatment causing other diseases. Root canals are safe, successful, and done under strict sterilization procedures.
Myth 5: The Pain Comes from the Procedure Itself
Fact: The discomfort individuals dread typically results from the infection within the tooth, not from the root canal procedure. The process is meant to eliminate the source of pain — the infected or inflamed pulp — and clean and seal the tooth to avoid future issues.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Your dentist will thoroughly anesthetize the area with local anesthesia to make it a painless experience. The infected tissue is eliminated, and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Most of these treatments are done in one or two visits, and patients are able to resume their usual activities the following day.
Following the treatment, there might be some mild pain or sensitivity for a day or so, but this can be controlled using over-the-counter painkillers or those recommended by your dentist.
For more information, kindly contact
ADC - Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry.
#1197 Sector 21 B, U.T, Chandigarh, INDIA 160021
Call tel. +91-708-780-0016
