No dental procedure can strike fear into people's hearts quite like a root canal treatment. The procedure has become synonymous with serious pain. But the good news is technology has come a long way and root canals are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, rather than causing you pain, they remove the cause of it! 

If you do need a root canal, we don't want you to be afraid of the procedure. To help you prepare, here is a breakdown of what you can expect. 

When do you need a root canal treatment procedure? 

A root canal is necessary when decay reaches the pulp chamber of your tooth and destroys the nerve. The nerve isn't important for the function or health of the tooth – it only allows you to feel hot and cold. Once upon a time, the only option was to extract the tooth, but now a root canal can be performed to prolong its life. 

Is the root canal procedure painful? 

A root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp inside the tooth, and then cleaning and sealing the space left behind. 

You'll receive local anesthesia before the work begins – this is usually the most painful part of the procedure!

Once the area is numb, your dentist will begin drilling through the crown of the tooth, then remove the nerve and pulp located in the root. The area is then filled – just like a filling – to make sure infection doesn't return. A crown will be placed over your tooth as added protection.

After your root canal, you may experience some sensitivity as the tooth heals. However, this only lasts a few days and you will be able to eat normally within a week. 

Root canals are virtually pain-free!

How to avoid a root canal treatment

No matter how sophisticated root canals are these days, it's still better to avoid them completely. Brush twice a day, floss daily, stay away from sugary foods and drinks, and check in with your dentist regularly. 

Whether you're getting a routine checkup or a root canal, Marina Dentists has you covered. To make sure your teeth are getting royal treatment, make an appointment online today.