Whether you have had a dental infection or have just had trauma to your teeth, it can seem less than ideal when a dental team suggests a root canal.
Although they have more than 100 years in standard dental practice, root canals are often viewed by dental patients as a scary treatment, which will lead to discomfort and potentially kill the tooth. Of course, this is not what this procedure does!
So, what are 5 things you probably didn’t know about root canals? Read on to find out!
It doesn’t kill the tooth
You may have heard via friends or the internet that having a root canal kills the tooth; this is simply not true!
When your dentist St John’s Wood performs a root canal, it is usually done with the emphasis on restoring the tooth to its former glory. The tooth will not change aesthetically (it won’t turn black), it will no longer cause discomfort and it will be strong enough to eat with.
It shouldn’t be uncomfortable
Many dental patients worry that a root canal would be painful but, once again, this is not the case.
Many dental patients report a reduction in the soreness of the tooth and surrounding area following endodontics, making it beneficial for discomfort reduction. Once the treatment is complete and the filling or crown has been fitted, you may notice a slight tenderness to the tooth which should subside in a few days.
If it doesn’t, contact your dental team.
It can sometimes be tricky!
It sounds so simple on paper; your dental team drills down to the roots of your tooth and removes the infected pulp.
But, oftentimes, it can be a bit trickier than that! With genetic variation comes a difference in root shape and depth, meaning that, following an initial assessment for a root canal, your dental team may need to take a different approach. As a result, these kinds of root canals can take longer to fit but should still yield the same defence against infection.
It can help with sensitivity
It may not be the first solution that your dental team tries, but if you have an issue with sensitive teeth, it may be an option to attempt a root canal.
Why? Because sensitive teeth are usually caused by microscopic holes that lead from the exterior of the tooth to the pulp, thus causing discomfort when exposed to a hot or cold stimulus.
So, by having the root protected by filling material, a root canal can actually offer protection against oral sensitivity.
It should last a long time!
Depending on the complexity of your root canal fitting, you may have concerns that it will fail.
However, if fitted by a trained professional, it should easily last the rest of your life without the filling or crown falling off and, of course, without a recurrence of the infection.
If you notice any discomfort around the tooth where you have had the root canal or are concerned that the infection is coming back, seek immediate medical treatment.