Root canal treatment is one of modern dentistry's most important achievements. Unfortunately, due to some common misconceptions, many people feel scared and anxious when they are told that they require a root canal. At Park Dental, a dental clinic in Sherwood Park, root canal therapy is a non-surgical, pain-free procedure that can save a badly infected tooth by removing its pulp. Learning a bit more about what exactly root canal treatment is can help put your mind at ease.
Root canal treatment is one of modern dentistry's most important achievements. Unfortunately, due to some common misconceptions, many people feel scared and anxious when they are told that they require a root canal. At Park Dental, a dental clinic in Sherwood Park, root canal therapy is a non-surgical, pain-free procedure that can save a badly infected tooth by removing its pulp. Learning a bit more about what exactly root canal treatment is can help put your mind at ease.
When tooth pulp becomes infected, the bacteria can quickly grow, spread, and cause severe pain and damage. The infection can cause damage not only to the tooth, but to the surrounding teeth and tissue as well. If left untreated, a dental pulp infection can lead to a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Root canal therapy in Sherwood Park ensures that the infection does not spread beyond the tooth.
Root canal therapy typically requires one or more visits to your Sherwood Park dental clinic. First, your dentist will take X-rays of the infected tooth. They will then administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before making a small opening in the tooth and removing the infected pulp. The root canals of the tooth are then cleaned, filled, and sealed. The tooth is also sealed with a filling.
Root canal therapy in Sherwood Park is not a painful procedure. The use of anesthetic ensures that you will not feel a thing. Many people report that getting a root canal is similar to getting a filling. In a Sherwood Park dental clinic that takes care to put you at ease, you might even feel downright comfortable during the procedure.
When the anesthetic wears off following a root canal, you may experience some tenderness in the area for a few days. Your dentist will likely recommend that you take over-the-counter painkillers to help with any discomfort. If your infection was severe, then your dentist may prescribe stronger painkillers to help you get through the healing process.
After a root canal, teeth can also sometimes become discoloured. If this happens to you, don't worry. Crowns or veneers in Sherwood Park can cover up the discolouration and enhance the structural integrity of the tooth at the same time.
The only real alternative to a root canal is a tooth extraction followed by a tooth replacement with a dental prosthetic. If a root canal is possible, then it is usually preferable to save the natural tooth, especially because the appearance of the tooth can be restored with veneers in Sherwood Park. Your dentist will let you know whether a root canal or a tooth extraction is right for you.
At Park Dental, we understand that patients may have a lot more questions about root canal therapy in Sherwood Park. If you need a root canal or if you have any other dental health concerns, we encourage you to contact Park Dental to schedule an appointment at our Sherwood Park dental clinic today.
