You have probably heard the saying, “I would rather get a root canal”, uttered when someone is talking about a particularly unpleasant or painful situation. However, despite its negative reputation, modern root canal therapy saves an estimated 24 million teeth each year in the United States – usually without causing patients any pain at all. Want to know more? Here is why you should not be afraid of saving your tooth with a root canal in Carrollton.
Who Needs a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a procedure to relieve dental pain and save teeth that are badly-decayed or have become infected. Also known as endodontic treatment, patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp – that soft tissues inside the root canal that contain nerves.
Pulp infection or inflammation is often caused by:
- A deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
- Repeated dental treatment to the tooth
- Other trauma to the tooth
Are Root Canals Extremely Painful?
There is a common misconception that getting a root canal is a torturous procedure that will leave you in extreme pain. However, according to the American Association of Endodontists, most patients feel little to no pain at all during root canal treatment! While living with an infected tooth certainly is miserable, thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation dentistry, root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling placed.
4 Ways to Reduce Root Canal Anxiety
Even though modern root canal therapy is not the painful ordeal it once was, you may still feel anxiety leading up to the procedure. Here are 4 tips for handling any stress related to root canal therapy:
- Mediation – Steady breathing can reduce your heart rate dramatically. Spend 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment in a quiet space and focus on your breathing.
- Music – Ask your dentist if you can soothe your aggravated nerves by listening to your favorite music on headphones during the procedure.
- Aromatherapy – Apply essential oils like lavender, jasmine, or sandalwood to help reduce your anxiety.
- Study – Knowledge is power. Put your mind at ease by researching online how technological advancements have reduced health risks and made modern root canal therapy pain-free.
What to Expect After Root Canal Therapy
Feeling some mild pain and sensitivity after root canal therapy is common. However, such discomfort can typically be managed by taking over-the-counter pain medication and should disappear in just a few days. In addition, chewing hard or crunchy foods immediately following the procedure may be a bit painful, so stick to soft foods for a few days. If you experience persistent pain, be sure to contact your dentist.
There is no need to struggle through your daily life in agony due to an infected tooth. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, talk to a dentist in Carrollton today about how a root canal can relieve your symptoms and save your tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Tammy Ton offers high-quality, personalized dental care that is aimed at putting patients and families at ease. An active member of the Texas Dental Association, she has been lauded by patients for her gentle touch during root canal therapy and other dental procedures. Members of the Carrollton community can learn more about Dr. Ton and the oral care services she provides by visiting the LuxSmile Family Dentistry website or by calling 972-698-5988.