Root canals; fun facts from our dentist

Being told that you need to have a root canal is enough to make anyone panic, but why is this common and effective dental procedure so despised?

There are many theories; one is that most dental patients have heard somewhere that it will cause discomfort, and wish to avoid it at all costs. Others may have heard myths that after it has been performed, the tooth turns black.

But as a dental team, if we have to offer a solution to our patients which varies between keeping a tooth or having one removed, then we will certainly choose the former!

At Family Dental Care, our dentist in Doncaster East is committed to keeping you and your mouth healthy, and will always aim to advise you on procedures that will help you to make correct decisions about any future dental care. Great!

So what are some of the things that you may not know about having a root canal? Our dentist in Doncaster East provides the following fun facts about root canals.

They preserve teeth

OK, so we hinted at this earlier, but it is a fact which many patients overlook; having a root canal fitted will save the tooth.

Our dentist in Doncaster East will remove the source of the infection from the pulp of the tooth and will then fill the tooth with a substance known as gutta-percha. Once filled, a crown or filling will be placed on the tooth to act as structural support and a way of sealing the entrance hole.

Root canals require no special care and provided you maintain good oral hygiene, they should easily last the rest of your life.

They eradicate discomfort

Revisiting that original myth, many patients believe that if you have a root canal fitted, it will cause discomfort. This is not true.

In actuality, a root canal aims to alleviate the discomfort; by removing the source of the infection, the tooth and surrounding tissues can heal and thus reduce soreness or pressure.

Of course, before we fit the root canal, we will numb the gum but once the local numbing agent fades, you will notice how different the tooth feels!

They work to remove infection

Many patients worry that a root canal is not safe, and can cause an infection to recur or spread. As we mentioned before, the underlying aim of the procedure is to remove the source of the infection and to promote improved oral health.

You can even have a root canal performed when you are pregnant, provided that it is performed in the later stages due to the necessity of an x-ray.

They are money-saving

You may be confused as to how endodontics can save money versus an extraction.

Well, in short, a root canal can save on orthodontic bills, fillings, crowns and even bone shrinkage.

Suppose you had the infected tooth removed, there would now be a gap that needs to be filled. The options include a bridge, partial denture or dental implant. If you do not have the gap filled, the gum and jaw will recede, potentially leading to misalignment of the surrounding teeth, which may require a brace. A gap is more likely to attract plaque and may lead to a higher incidence of cavities, so having a root canal is well worth it!

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.