5 Facts You Should Know About Root Canals in Palm Coast

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Dental work is often viewed as an inconvenience rather than something to be excited about. Root canals, in particular, have developed a reputation for being painful and invasive. However, understanding the following five facts about root canals and how they can improve your oral health may help you feel more comfortable with this procedure, as well as consulting your local Palm Coast dentist.

1. Root canals aren’t more painful than a dental filling.

Thanks to advances in root canal technology and pain management treatment, a root canal is no more frightening than a standard dental filling procedure. Typically, your dentist will apply pain management to numb the area around the tooth during the procedure. If you have especially sensitive teeth, it’s important to work alongside your care team to ensure proper techniques are being used.

2. You may feel instant relief.

Since a root canal cleans out damaged or infected tooth pulp, you may feel significantly better coming out of the procedure than you did going in. If you have any symptoms of an underlying infection, including pain, swelling, or discomfort, it’s important to see your dentist right away. Failure to take care of infection quickly, whether with antibiotics or a root canal, could mean more extensive damage and the need to extract the tooth later.

3. A root canal doesn’t remove a tooth’s root.

Although the name may be confusing, the intention of a root canal is not to remove the roots of a tooth but rather to clean the root canals to remove any damaged or infected tooth pulp. Following the procedure, the root remains firmly intact, saving the tooth from needing to be extracted entirely. Failure to have a root canal on an infected tooth may mean extraction is the only solution.

4. After a root canal, you’ll need a dental crown.

While a root canal can save a tooth from being extracted, you’ll likely need a tooth cap or dental crown afterward. A dental crown sits on top of the original tooth and helps to reinforce the tooth’s structure and protect it from future infection. If you’re on the fence about a dental crown, talk to your dentist about alternatives and the risk of doing a root canal without a crown.

5. Only your dentist can determine if you need a root canal.

Sometimes, people experiencing tooth pain may jump to the conclusion that they need a root canal. However, a root canal isn’t the only solution for tooth pain. In fact, some patients may need a root canal even with no previous signs of tooth pain. The only person who can definitively say whether or not you need a root canal is your dentist after they examine your teeth and overall oral health.

The bottom line

Root canals are no longer the fear-inducing procedure they once were. Instead, you can think of a root canal as an everyday procedure that helps preserve the integrity of your tooth. It’s important to discuss any root canal concerns with your Palm Coast dentist, as they’re the best professionals to determine your unique dental needs.