A root canal is probably one of the most misunderstood dentistry procedures. Patients who are told that they need the treatment feel nervous and even hesitant to undergo such. It is usually because of the little to no information about what to expect of the procedure and why it is necessary. With that in mind, the dentists from Chester Road Family Dental, Dr. Benjamin and Elizabeth Dunham share the most common questions regarding the therapy. It is to help everyone feel more confident and at ease of undergoing a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the hollow part of a tooth located in the center where the pulp lies, extending to the roots. It is also the shortened term for the treatment since it is where the process of saving the tooth takes place. The procedure will be performed when the pulp and other tissues inside the tooth become infected.
What will happen during the procedure?
The area around the treated tooth will be numbed for the dentist to drill an access hole to the pulp chamber. All infected tissues will be removed, and the chamber will be appropriately disinfected. The number of roots and canal depends on the type of tooth. Front teeth usually have one root and canal, while back teeth can have two to three roots with three or four canals. Once the pulp chamber is clean, a biocompatible filling will be placed with an adhesive cement as a seal. A dental crown may even be used to secure the full function of the treated tooth.
Is the treatment painful?
Contrary to what many people believe, the pain due to the spreading infection is much unbearable than the treatment. Root canal aims to alleviate the discomfort of patients instead of aggravating it. Besides, with the help of local anesthetics and sedation dentistry, the procedure can be performed smoothly without causing any worries.
Why is root canal necessary?
The primary purpose of the procedure is to save a tooth from extraction after being infected due to cavities or injuries. The affected tissues will be carefully removed to prevent the problem from progressing.
Are there other alternatives?
Unfortunately, another solution to save a tooth other than a root canal is to have it extracted. But, it is always better to keep the structure as much as possible since having a gap in the mouth can result in other oral complications.
Our patients at Chester Road Family Dental are assured that the success rate of the treatment is over 90%. With all this information laid out, everyone now is more likely to feel confident and at ease with a root canal treatment.
For more inquiries about Root Canals in Chester, VA, call us at Chester Road Family Dental. You can also visit us at 11701 Chester Rd, Chester, VA 23831.