Root canal treatment is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, as many people associate it with pain. Today, we're here to debunk the myths and set the record straight about root canals and how they benefit your smile and dental health.
Understanding Root Canals
The first thing to understand about root canal therapy is that it is not painful. A root canal relieves the pain that is caused by a tooth infection. It is actually tooth decay that has moved into the pulp and nerve of your tooth that is causing your pain. A root canal alleviates your pain, eliminates tooth infection, and preserves your tooth, saving it from a potential extraction.
The Root Canal Procedure
Thanks to modern technology, root canals in Vienna, VA, are more efficient and comfortable than ever! We even offer different levels of dental sedation for patients who feel anxious or fearful about their root canal procedure.
The procedure begins when Dr. Paino numbs the area around the infected tooth with dental anesthetic, which also brings you immediate relief from your pain. Next, he'll carefully remove the infected tissue from inside your tooth, clean it, fill it, and temporarily seal it so it remains infection-free. Now we'll give your tooth time to heal fully.
Dr. Paino will rebuild your tooth with a permanent filling or crown after it's fully healed since root canal treatment can make it brittle and susceptible to breakage and fractures.
Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery
It's normal for your tooth to feel some sensitivity the first couple of days after root canal treatment, but the severe toothache and pain that keeps you awake at night or from completing your normal daily activities should not return. The discomfort after a root canal should be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Dr. Paino may want you to take an antibiotic to ensure the infection is completely gone.
If you are still experiencing pain or discomfort that is beyond the normal minor sensitivity after a dental procedure, we encourage you to contact your Vienna Family Dental team at (703) 281-7104 right away.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth is infected and is left untreated, it may become unsalvageable. At that point, you'll need a tooth extraction to protect your dental health and overall well-being. When you lose a tooth, you're now presented with several other problems. Without a tooth replacement, you'll experience bone loss, which can impact the health of neighboring teeth and even change your facial structure and appearance. Surrounding teeth will also move and shift into the open space left by your missing tooth if you don't replace it.
Root canal treatment helps you avoid costly tooth replacement because it preserves your natural tooth structure. The procedure also stops your tooth infection in its tracks, keeping it from moving to other critical areas of your body or impacting other healthy teeth.
Debunking Myths About Root Canals
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, root canals are an extremely misunderstood procedure. Here are some of the myths associated with the procedure, along with the truth about it.
#1 Root Canals Are Painful
As you now understand, the root canal relieves your pain, not causing it. The infection or abscess in your tooth is the source of your pain.
#2 Root Canals Remove Your Tooth Root
Don't let the name of the procedure deceive you!
Root canal treatment is not removing the root of your tooth but rather the infected pulp of it. The procedure leaves your tooth roots completely intact, preserving your bone health and support for your tooth.
#3 Tooth Extraction Is Better Than Root Canal Treatment
Make no mistake that preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible is always our goal at Vienna Family Dental, and root canal treatment does just that!
Dr. Paino will only recommend tooth extraction as a last resort if your tooth can't be saved with root canal treatment. This is because removing a tooth leaves you with several additional concerns like bone loss and tooth shifting that you can avoid by preserving your tooth with a root canal.
Contact Your Team at Vienna Family Dental if You Are in Pain
Some common signs of tooth infection are:
- Constant and severe pain or a toothache that doesn't feel better with ibuprofen
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature
- Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing
- A blister or white bump around the painful tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of your tooth
If you or a loved one is experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your trusted dentist in Vienna, VA, online or by calling (703) 281-7104. Even if it's after hours, we're happy to advise you on what you can do until we can see you.