Root canal therapy is a procedure in which a dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp of a tooth. Though root canal therapy is a common treatment, it’s often misunderstood among the general public, with many assuming the procedure is scary and painful. To clear up some of these misconceptions, below are answers to frequently asked questions about root canal treatment.

Answers to Common Root Canal Questions

What happens during a root canal?

First, the patient's mouth is thoroughly numbed with a local anesthetic. A tiny hole is made in the affected tooth, and the dentist uses special instruments to access the root canal, the hollow portion of the tooth that houses nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. They remove the diseased pulp before cleaning and disinfecting the canal. Then the interior is filled with gutta-percha, a rubberish material, and the tooth is capped with a filling or dental crown.

Why would I need a root canal?

The primary purpose of a root canal is to preserve the tooth. Serious decay, injury, or damage like deep cracks or chips can cause the pulp to become infected or inflamed, which leads to significant pain. If left untreated, a buildup of pus called an abscess can develop.

Root canal therapy eradicates the pulp, which adults don’t need for healthy teeth, and saves the original tooth.

Do root canals hurt?

No. You are given a local anesthetic, and your dentist will ensure the entire region of the mouth is numb before beginning. There is no more pain with a root canal than there is with a standard filling or crown.

Afterward, the tooth will likely be sensitive for a few days, so you may not want to chew on it or consume extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.

Are there other options besides a root canal?

If your dentist has recommended it, then root canal therapy is the best treatment for your specific issue. A tooth can be extracted, but, whenever possible, it’s best to preserve original teeth. Saving a tooth prevents other teeth from shifting and maintains comfort when biting down, eating, and speaking.

To find out if a root canal is right for you, contact the dentists at Family First Dentistry. Serving the Anchorage, AK, area, they offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry procedures for patients of all ages, including same-day crowns, emergency treatment, and sedation dentistry. Call (907) 562-2820 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to find out more about their services.