5 Facts You Need to Know About Root Canals

When severe dental caries damage the centre of the tooth, it can cause nerves to become infected. If that happens, you may need an endodontics treatment to heal the infection and prevent tooth loss. Although it’s highly effective, many people get scared when they hear the term root canal. Some common misconceptions they have are that it’s a painful, invasive, and complicated process.

Unfortunately, root canal procedures have gained a bad reputation due to misinformation online. The truth is there’s no reason to worry about it, instead, you should consider this treatment to combat dental infection. Essentially, it saves your teeth and calms your pain effectively. Plus, this procedure is rather painless than assumed.

Is it your first root canal session? Then, you should only seek professional dental care if you don’t want things to go south.  If sealed poorly, this can bring back the infection for worse. A highly-trained specialist knows how to seal the filling material properly inside the canal to prevent side effects.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you are curious about root canals so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s begin with the five facts you need to know about this procedure:

One of the most successful procedures for tooth pain relief is endodontics treatment. So, it’s crucial to get it done as soon as your dentist recommends it. As the alternative to the root canal is often the removal of your teeth, its main goal is to save your natural ones.

Furthermore, by opting for this procedure, you’re protecting adjacent teeth. If you forgo a root canal, the infection can spread to the neighbouring teeth and gums. Consecutively, you may end up needing several tooth extractions instead of one treatment.

The most common misconception about endodontics treatment is that it’s an invasive process. We understand this treatment may sound intimidating but in actuality, it’s quite simple. This minimally invasive procedure begins with your dentist numbing the affected area. Then, they’ll remove the infected nerve and thoroughly clean the insides of your tooth. After your tooth is disinfected and all decay is removed, it’ll be sealed with a filling to restore its function.

So, how long does it take to do a root canal procedure you ask? Typically, the treatment lasts anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes. Nonetheless, the duration depends on each case’s complexity.

Many people worry that root canal procedures will hurt. Little did they know that patients who undergo this treatment merely experience any discomfort. Rather it marks the end of their toothache.

The pain associated with this treatment comes from the infected tooth itself when it’s getting treated. You shouldn’t feel discomfort throughout the process even if no anaesthesia is used. To be cautious, dentists at Tooth-n-Gum Dental in Huntingdale, Melbourne use anaesthesia to numb the area during root canal treatment. We do this to avoid the slightest possibility of pain.

A lesser-known fact about root canals is it isn’t just a short-term fix but an investment in your long-term dental health. By opting for this procedure, you not only preserve your natural tooth but also address underlying issues. In short, you set yourself up for a happier and healthier smile for years to come.

There is also a common myth revolving around root canals causing long-term health problems. As recently as 2013, a scientific study has debunked the idea that this treatment can cause systematic diseases. In fact, it can save you from severe health issues associated with untreated dental infections.

Given the scary reputation endodontics treatment has, many patients assume the recovery will be a slow, long, and painful process. Luckily, it’s not true; your tooth can heal within a week with proper care. It’s likely you’ll experience some sensitivity, mild pain, or swelling during the first few days of recovery. But, you do not need to worry. Your dentist may prescribe some medication and aftercare tips to speed up the healing process.