If you’ve watched cartoons, sitcoms, or pretty much any sort of comedy program over the years, you’ve probably seen the stereotypical sadistic dentist who takes a little too much joy in giving people root canals. Rest assured; these representations are not true to life. Here’s some information about what a root canal is, how it is performed, how it can spare a patient much suffering, and why it is nothing to be afraid of.
What Do Root Canals Treat?
Once tooth decay sets in, it will not get better without professional dental intervention. Tooth decay begins by eroding the enamel layer, and if left untreated it will eventually reach the pulp at the center of the tooth. Once the pulp becomes infected, the patient will experience a throbbing and miserable toothache. If the problem is allowed to progress further, the tooth will be lost, the infection may spread to other teeth, and the patient may develop dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia.
Similarly, sometimes a person will endure an oral injury that fractures a tooth and exposes the pulp within, making it vulnerable to infection. Root canals are used to eliminate infections and immediately relieve any associated pain.
How Is a Root Canal Performed?
The process of getting a root canal begins with an oral exam. If your dentist determines that a root canal is the best course of treatment, they will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth being treated and render the whole process completely painless. Your dentist will then access the interior of the tooth and remove the infected pulp. They will then clean and sanitize the chamber of the tooth, fill it with a special dental material, and probably seal it with a dental crown to restore its appearance and function and protect it from further injury and infection. This can immediately relieve a miserable toothache.
What Is Recovering from a Root Canal Like?
After the anesthetics wear off, the patient may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The treated tooth may also feel strange until the patient gets used to it. The patient should feel back to normal within a week. If you experience severe pain or pain that lasts longer than a week, contact your dentist.
If you need a root canal, you have nothing to fear. It can save you from losing a tooth and much suffering, allowing you to return to your daily life without dental pain.
About the Practice
Endodontic Group of Jersey City provides patients with the most excellent dental health services available in Jersey City, NJ. Led by Drs. Nassim Kohly, Ali Forghani, and Stephen Pascal, the staff delivers compassionate treatments and courteous customer service. Areas of expertise include root canal treatments and emergency dentistry. If you think you might need a root canal, contact the office online or dial (201) 484-5404.