Overcoming Root Canal Fear
The idea of a root canal can be scary for a lot of people. And it's no wonder since a root canal is often used as a standard against which to compare horrible experiences. We've all heard someone say, "It's worse than a root canal," or "I'd rather get a root canal," to describe unpleasant experiences. The truth, however, is that root canals aren't all that bad. The key to overcoming a fear is education, so read on to learn about how root canals are performed and why you have nothing to fear.
Why a Root Canal?
A root canal becomes necessary when a tooth is damaged in such a way that it becomes vulnerable to infection from the bacteria that resides naturally in your mouth. If the tooth is allowed to become infected, that infection can spread to the gum and jaw through the tooth and root, which can cause a painful abscess. If not treated, an abscess can lead to tooth loss, or the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
What's the Root Canal Process?
First your dentist might put a topical numbing gel on your gums before giving you a local anesthetic with a syringe. Not every dentist will use a topical numbing gel; if yours doesn't, don't worry. The pain that comes from the syringe needle is little more than a pinch. Once the tooth is completely numb, the dentist will drill a hole into the tooth, remove the dental pulp, disinfect the tooth, and then fill the hole to prevent reinfection. After this process is complete, the dentist will place a crown on your weakened tooth to keep it from breaking.
What's There to Be Afraid of?
The short answer to this question is, nothing! A root canal shouldn't be any more traumatic than a cavity filling. You should feel nothing during the procedure, and only mild soreness near the tooth for a day or two after. This mild soreness easily can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. Most people who are scared of root canals either have bad information about the procedure or have general anxiety about dental procedures. After a thorough education about the process, if your fear still keeps you from seeking treatment when you need a root canal, consider sedation. Depending on what your dentist is willing to do and your level of anxiety, different levels of sedation are available, from light sedation with inhaled nitrous oxide to general anesthesia.
For more information, contact a dental office like Airport Road Dental Associates.
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