How Root Canals Help Eliminate Pain

How Root Canals Help Eliminate Pain

It may surprise you to learn the truth about root canals.

Root canals have an unfortunate spot at the top of the list of "most feared dental procedures." This fear is largely unsubstantiated; in fact, a recent dental industry survey found that people who feared root canals the most had never actually had them done. At 1st Choice Root CanalDental Care in Marietta, Kennesaw and Woodstock, GA, our dentists and staff educate our patients on the most up-to-date information about dental procedures, and we believe it's time to help root canals earn a better reputation: they are a therapeutic way of relieving pain and preventing infection. Here are the facts.

What does a root canal fix?

A cavity starts on the outer surface of a tooth, called the enamel. If it's caught early, a filling to remove the decay and stop its spread is often enough. However, if decay is allowed to continue, however, it can enter the deeper layers of a tooth and begin to cause pain due to its proximity to the nerves connecting the tooth to the blood supply. When this happens, your Marietta, Kennesaw and Woodstock dentist will likely suggest a root canal. This procedure, also called endodontic therapy, removes the infection from the inner portions of a tooth and strengthens the tooth from the inside out. A crown is usually placed over the topmost portion of the tooth to protect it further.

Why do root canals have a bad reputation?

Like many dental procedures, root canals used to be performed without the use of anesthesia. But as the dental industry began to develop better methods of treatment, dental procedures became easier to tolerate. Unfortunately, root canals haven't been able to shake their outdated attributes. The truth is, as your Marietta, Kennesaw and Woodstock dentist will tell you, root canals exist to alleviate pain. With anesthesia in place and the infection is eradicated, there should be no pain during the procedure and very little afterwards.

If you'd like to learn more about how root canals can help improve your dental health, contact 1st Choice Dental Care in Marietta, Kennesaw and Woodstock, GA. We'd be happy to set you up with a consultation with one of our skilled dentists!