922 Waltham St #202 Lexington, MA 02421
Root canals have received a nasty reputation due to the way they have been portrayed on TV and in comedy movies, but these depictions are not true to life. The reality is that modern root canals are safe and painless procedures that can quickly eliminate horrible dental pain and allow a tooth to remain healthy and function for many years after severe infection. Here’s a quick guide to how root canals work at Lexington Smile Studio, but please contact our office if you’d like to know more.
Dental pulp is the soft tissue made of blood vessels and nerves found inside of a tooth. Once this tissue is infected by bacteria, it must be removed to prevent tooth loss. Root canal treatment is performed to resolve an advanced dental infection by eliminating the diseased pulp and restoring the destroyed enamel. Left untreated, the tooth will die and need to be removed to prevent the decay from spreading as well as potentially dangerous secondary infections like sepsis.
Tooth infections that make root canals necessary are often excruciatingly painful and may include the following symptoms:
Our dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine if the tooth is infected and if a root canal is the best way to address the problem. If so, they will begin the procedure by numbing the affected area with an appropriate anesthetic, and some patients may also benefit from nitrous oxide treatment. When the patient is ready, our dentist will access and remove the pulp with specialized tools. The tooth’s inner chamber will then be cleaned, sanitized, filled, and sealed to prevent further infections. The patient will probably also receive a restoration such as a dental crown to rebuild their lost dental structure, and they may have to wear a temporary crown while a customized permanent device is being crafted. This procedure can bring immediate relief for horrible dental pain, and we’ll be happy to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery process.
Receiving a dental crown can deliver a range of wonderful benefits like:
Simple oral hygiene requirements make preserving the treated tooth easy
It’s important that we start with one of the most-asked questions about root canals in Lexington: Do they hurt? If you’ve been asking yourself that same question, you’ll be happy to hear that the process of eliminating the infection is virtually painless thanks to powerful numbing agents. Plus, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable while you heal.
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals can make you sick. However, the belief that it does continues to persist. This is largely due to research that was conducted back in the 1920s by a dentist named Dr. Weston Price. He claimed that it was better to have the tooth in question removed since root canals didn’t remove all of the bacteria. However, his findings have been disproven on several occasions. That’s why it’s so important to fact-check any rumors you’ve heard with your dentist!
If we recommend getting a root canal to restore your pain-free smile, but your toothache went away on its own, you might be wondering if you can cancel your upcoming appointment. The short answer is “no.” After all, your teeth cannot heal themselves. So, if the sensitivity, soreness, or discomfort you were experiencing goes away seemingly overnight, it’s likely due to the nerve dying. Unfortunately, this means that the infection has progressed even further, and there is only a small window of time left when saving your tooth is possible.
Many common dental problems are largely preventable, including cavities. If you want to reduce the likelihood of needing another root canal in the future, then you need to incorporate healthy habits into your routine. That starts with brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently and extends to limiting your intake of added sugar. You should also schedule a dental checkup with us every six months so we can detect and treat any oral health issues that do develop in the early stages.
Although there have been significant advancements in both dentistry and technology in general, root canals are still one of the most feared procedures. So, if you are struggling with nerves, stress, and anxiety surrounding your upcoming appointment, you’re not alone. The best thing to do is talk to our team. That way, we can find a way to get you the positive, worry-free experience you deserve at our office.
Although it’s sometimes easier said than done, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep the night before. The morning of, choose something comfortable to wear and eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast (unless specifically instructed otherwise). If you’re being sedated, make sure that an adult you know and trust drives you to and from our office as well.
