Main Reason for a Root Canal Procedure: To Get You Out of Pain

Has your dentist told you that you need a  root canal? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with the root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Understand the root canal treatment in detail and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile HERE.

Why is a Root Canal Needed?

Root canal treatment is a procedure used to treat diseased or infected tooth. Beneath the hard, outer layer of enamel and dentin is a soft tissue known as pulp that houses the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. This treatment becomes necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, bad crown or a crack in the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can get worse and may need further surgical intervention and sometimes, the tooth may actually have to be removed.

Related Article: Understanding a Root Canal Treatment

What is a Root Canal?

If you’re needing a root canal, there’s no reason to worry and every reason to move forward. A root canal can provide some serious pain relief because it also cleans out any unwanted decay and damage. Root canals are a dental procedure that eliminate bacteria from infected tooth roots and prevent reinfection because the infected pulp is removed and the surrounding area is carefully cleaned, filled, and then sealed. A crown is typically placed atop of your natural tooth to fully restore the look, function, and strength.

Every year, millions of people undergo root canal treatment to treat diseased or damaged teeth. A root canal will relieve any oral pain you’ve been experiencing and can make your teeth healthy once again.

According to WebMD, what is root canal therapy? Learn More HERE.

A Root Canal Can Help Get You Out of Pain

Root canals have the unlucky reputation of being uncomfortable or painful. But the truth is, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Due to innovative painkillers and advancements in dentistry, little to no pain should be experienced during your root canal. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to a root canal is truly the painful period, not the root canal procedure itself.

According to WebMD, “During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed and the inside is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and an abscess may form. Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. But the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed.”

Read more from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-root-canals

You may need a Root Canal, if you are experiencing these symptoms

Sometimes root canal therapy is necessary. It may not be our favorite thing in the world, but a root canal can provide some serious pain relief! It also cleans out any unwanted decay and damage – making your mouth healthier and happier. How do you know if you’re in need of a root canal? If you’ve been experiencing symptoms, such as:

• Severe pain when biting/chewing; tooth pain is a huge indicator that something isn’t right.
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Swollen, tender gums
• Pimples on gums
• Lingering temperature sensitivity
• Discoloration of a tooth
• Darkening of gums
• Decay
• If a tooth feels loose

These symptoms may indicate that a root canal is needed. To get your oral health back to normal, and to eliminate any pain you may be experiencing, a root canal treatment is often the next, and best, step to take. If left untreated, there’s no doubt you’ll lose the infected tooth and experience more dental problems and more pain. You can even spread the infection to the rest of your body, if left untreated.

Learn about other reasons you may need a root canal HERE.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is time to give us a call so we can examine your teeth and gums! To stay away from a root canal, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. See your dentist often for checkups every 6 months.

Related Article: Root Canal Treatment: 5 Common Myths Debunked

The Root Canal Procedure

As we mentioned above, a root canal cleans the decay from the inside of your teeth. Dr. Anderson will remove the bacteria and decay from the pulp and core area. Then the area will be disinfected so it stays clean, and the area is filled and sealed to prevent any new decay. When a root canal is complete, your natural tooth will become more brittle and sensitive, so a dental crown is placed over the tooth to rebuild its strength.

Here are the Top 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Root Canals:

1. It May Not Actually Hurt

Root canals have a bad reputation as being a painful procedure. However, most people who have had a root canal, refer to it as a “painless”. Before the procedure, a numbing anesthetic medicine will be injected around the infected tooth, which will feel like a slight sting on your gum. After that, you’ll barely feel a thing.

Related Article: Root Canal Treatment: 5 Common Myths Debunked

2. Your Tooth Will Be Saved

The entire goal of root canal treatment is to save the infected tooth. After this part of the procedure, your dentist will put a crown or filling on the top of the tooth. Once completed, it isn’t even noticeable and with proper dental hygiene, your tooth can last a lifetime. Read more about Getting a Dental Crown Procedure.

3. Your Pain Will Be Gone

Another reason people are afraid of root canals and the treatment is because they’re afraid there will be pain after the root canal. You may have some pain after the procedure, but typically an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen will help. If you’re at risk for infection, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up. Most people return to their normal routine the very next day.

Just the Facts…

• More than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States alone, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
• At least 41,000 root canals are performed each day.
• Only 17 percent of people who have had root canals describe it as their most painful dental procedure.
• Root canal symptoms vary depending on what type of bacteria caused the infection in the pulp.

Root Canal Procedure is considered a Dental Emergency

No one plans a dental emergency. An excruciating toothache or broken crown can leave you desperately seeking help. Neglecting to treat a sudden dental problem could lead to complications, so knowing where to find emergency dental care is critical. Learn more about emergency dental services and when to see emergency care HERE then call to schedule your Emergency Appointment at 816-373-4440.

Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.