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24 Jan 2020

ROOT CANALS AREN’T AS SCARY AS YOU THINK

ROOT CANALS AREN’T AS SCARY AS YOU THINK

Root canals have a bad reputation, but they don’t deserve it. A root canal is a relatively simple procedure in which your dentist removes your tooth’s damaged soft, abscessed tissue (the pulp). They will clean and disinfect the damaged area and then fill and seal the tooth. At Kellogg Dental, a root canal is a painless and easy treatment that can be done in one to two visits. 

Many people are afraid of root canals because they are afraid of the pain. However, if you’re in need of a root canal, chances are that you have been in extreme pain from the infection or damage in your tooth, and the actual procedure itself is relatively painless today thanks to advances in dental technology. At Kellogg Dental, we offer numbing agents and various levels of sedation dentistry to ensure you hardly feel anything during your procedure.   

While you may feel a small amount of pain after your root canal, this is normal soreness and will soon go away. Compare that to a damaged tooth that could hurt for weeks or even months! The myth of root canals being more painful than the original tooth pain originates from a time when anesthetics were not readily available and dental tools were not as advanced as they are today.  

Another reason people avoid root canals is because they aren’t experiencing any pain, and in return, don’t believe a root canal is necessary. Your dentist may suggest undergoing a root canal procedure, even if you aren’t experiencing pain, if your tooth is unhealthy. A root canal may be necessary if you have an infected tooth nerve or pulp, a tooth that has had extensive work done, a tooth with large fillings, or a chipped or cracked tooth. You don’t want to leave a damaged tooth untreated. It could lead to needing a tooth extraction, which leads us to the final reason people don’t want a root canal.

Many people believe that a tooth extraction will spare them the trouble of having to undergo a root canal. That’s not the case. Modern dental technology is constantly advancing, but there is no artificial tooth that can perfectly replace your natural tooth. A tooth extraction means you’ll pay more money and have a longer recovery time. It also means you’ll need to be more careful when you eat and the teeth surrounding your implant will need to be adjusted. At Kellogg Dental, we always try to save your natural tooth. Not only is it less expensive for you, you’ll also have a shorter recovery period and get to keep your natural teeth!   

Don’t forget to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups to help your restored tooth (and all of your teeth!) last your whole life. Call to request your next appointment today!