When you hear the dreaded words “you need a root canal treatment”, it can send shivers down your back. This is because there are many misconceptions about this standard procedure. Thankfully, root canal treatments aren’t like people make them out to be.
Before you come in for the procedure, you’ll probably have lots of questions – and you’ll want answers This is only natural. After all, the more you know about the treatment, the more at ease you’ll feel while you’re in the clinic.
So, what do you need to know about root canal treatments?
Here are the most commonly asked questions, along with the all-important answers.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal Treatment?
You’ll need a root canal treatment if the dental pulp inside your tooth has become infected. Usually, if you’ve got an infection inside your tooth, it’ll become very painful and very sensitive. This will become particularly noticeable when chewing.
Because the dental pulp contains nerves, these become responsive to inflammation inside the tooth. This results in toothache.
The pain and sensitivity in your tooth shouldn’t be ignored. It won’t go away on its own. If the infection is allowed to spread, you may develop an abscess, and your tooth will die.
Does Having a Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
A root canal treatment removes infected dental pulp from inside your tooth. An experienced dentist will make a small hole in your tooth and thoroughly extract the bacteria and infected matter.
We’ll perform the root canal treatment under local anaesthetic. This means you won’t feel anything in the area we’re working.
Before you come in to see us for your root canal treatment, you’ll probably be in considerable pain and discomfort. The treatment will put an end to this.
Your mouth will feel slightly numb for a while after your treatment; however, you won’t be in any pain when the numbness subsides.
Is It Better To Remove the Tooth?
Some people believe that root canal treatments are long and painful and that it’s easier to remove the tooth. This isn’t the case. We would only ever remove a tooth in extreme cases where it cannot be saved.
It’s always better to have a root canal treatment than to remove the tooth. This is because removing teeth leads to other complications. If the gap isn’t filled with a replacement tooth, you may experience dental drifting. Your neighbouring teeth could slide out of position.
The gaps left by missing teeth can be hard to keep clean. This puts you at risk of gum disease and tooth decay in the neighbouring teeth.
Will I Need a Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
Once we’ve removed the infected dental pulp, we’ll close your tooth with a filling. Sometimes, we may place a crown to protect your tooth from further damage or decay. Your crown will look just like your natural teeth.
If this is the case, we’ll get you back into the clinic at a later date to place the crown.
Will My Tooth Turn Black?
Sometimes, a tooth may become discoloured after a root canal treatment. This usually happens when blood from your dental pulp is left behind. In these cases, your tooth may become darker, taking on a shade of purple, grey, or black.
If your tooth does become discoloured following your treatment, you could either have it crowned or whitened using a simple internal bleaching treatment
Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment Now
You may need a root canal treatment if you’re experiencing toothache and sensitivity. It’s always important to get these symptoms checked at the earliest opportunity.
Get in touch with our friendly team today and book your appointment.
