If your dentist has recently informed you that your problem tooth is going to need to undergo root canal therapy, you might already be feeling a little anxious about the procedure. But despite anything you’ve heard through the grapevine or seen on television, root canal therapy is actually good news, and you shouldn’t shy away from undergoing the procedure. Keep reading to learn a little more about the process and how it promotes a future healthy smile.
The Root Canal Process
While many standard dental treatments focus on fixing issues present in the outer portion of a compromised tooth, root canals address issues that have infiltrated the inner portion of a tooth (the pulp). The process is relatively straightforward; first, your dentist will numb the affected area before getting to work. They’ll then tunnel into the pulp and begin to remove the infected/damaged parts of the inner tooth before cleaning and sanitizing the chamber and then sealing it back up.
Finally, the tooth is topped off with either a filling or a crown to complete the restoration. Needless to say, the restored tooth will feel healthy and right at home among the rest of your pearly whites. It might sound a little spine-chilling, but root canal therapy isn’t very painful at all; in fact, most patients compare the amount of discomfort they experience to having a cavity filled.
Root Canal Therapy Preserves Your Oral Health Moving Forward
Finding out that you need a root canal shouldn’t make you feel despair—it should be considered good news! Not only is the procedure relatively painless, but when weighed up against some of the other available options (tooth extraction, for example), root canal therapy is the preferable choice.
Since one of the focuses of modern dentistry is the preservation of natural teeth, dentists will always prioritize a conservative approach. Root canal therapy simply gives your tooth the best possible chance of remaining inside your mouth! Not to mention, tooth extractions can also be costly, complicated, and always necessitate the need for tooth restoration while also increasing the likelihood of additional oral health issues.
They might have a bad reputation, but it’s entirely unwarranted! Root canal therapy allows your dentist to practice a preferred and conservative approach while also quickly relieving any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing.
About the Practice
Evans Street Dental has proudly served patients and families in the McMinnville, OR community for several years under the leadership of Dr. Natalya Ramsay. Dr. Ramsay received her DMD from the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of treatments including root canal therapy. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or by phone for further assistance: (503) 472-1402.