How to Overcome Your Dental Phobia and Get a Root Canal Treatment
article by Raha Sepehrara
The mere mention of root canals might send shivers down your spine. It’s unfortunate, but there are many unwarranted myths about root canal treatments, and when you need the procedure yourself, these untruths can leave you in a state of panic. This is even more likely if you experience dental phobia.
Some anxiety around treatments is perfectly normal, and dental phobia is probably more common than you’d think. But if you have an infection in your tooth, receiving root canal treatment is essential, or your symptoms will only spread.
Understanding the treatment can help put your fears at rest. And, with the help of a compassionate and supportive dentist, it’s possible to receive essential treatment in a comfortable, painless, and relaxed way.
Here’s how to overcome your dental phobia and get the root canal treatment you need.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, bacteria will enter and move toward the living cells in the centre. Known as “dental pulp”, this mix of nerve endings and connective tissues spreads down into the root canals of your teeth.
When a tooth becomes infected, the tissue inside becomes inflamed. This leads to considerable sensitivity, discomfort, and pain. Often, the pain from the infection is so unbearable that you can’t eat, sleep, or speak. Treatment is essential to stop the pain and prevent the infection from killing your tooth and spreading around your mouth and body.
Ignoring a root canal infection is never an option.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal treatment is a routine procedure. Using modern tools and techniques, we can make the entire process straightforward for you. Your treatment will remove the infection and relieve you of pain.
We’ll start by removing the infected matter from your tooth. Once we’ve sterilised the inside of your tooth, we’ll fill the area using a natural material with properties similar to latex. Finally, we’ll close the tooth with a filling.
We may recommend returning for a dental crown placement another day. A crown protects the tooth and restores its appearance.
What Can I Do If I Have Dental Phobia?
If you’re scared about receiving this treatment, that’s understandable. We’re here to help. As Dental Phobia certified dentists, we believe in putting your comfort and needs above all else. Adaptations can be made to help you throughout your treatment.
The first step is to talk to us about your phobia. When booking your appointment, let our team know, and we’ll do everything possible to help you feel relaxed when you enter our clinic.
If we know you’re anxious, we’ll allow extra time to discuss the procedure and work out a plan that works for you.
Bringing a friend, family member, or partner you trust and feel comfortable with can help, as can bringing noise-cancelling headphones and some of your favourite music, audiobooks, or podcasts to listen to.
Learning a few deep breathing and grounding techniques can also help. These reduce feelings of anxiety and stop you from panicking. We can take a break at any point during your treatment to give you time to breathe.
Finally, talk to us about sedation. Using conscious sedation completely removes feelings of anxiety and leaves you feeling relaxed and in an almost dream-like state.
Root Canal Treatment at Dental Suite
Anxiety can be a barrier to essential treatment. At Dental Suite, we offer a caring approach to all our procedures. We’ll work with you to find the best solution to reduce your fears.
Get in touch with our friendly team today and arrange your appointment.
