The American Association of Endodontists, AAE, found in a survey of just over 1,000 patients that 63 percent of patients would like to avoid getting a root canal, while 69 percent want to avoid losing permanent teeth. While both of these views of participants make sense, root canals are not half as bad as people think. In fact, the fear of root canals can keep people from getting one; this fear results in the dentist having to extract the tooth in the end.

Why get a root canal in the first place?

The stigma surrounding root canals is a part of the stigma surrounding all dental care. People believe that dental procedures cause immense amounts of pain. While there might be mild soreness following a procedure, there is almost no pain during root canals with professional dentists.

When the “pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased,” mouthhealthy.org states that root canals are necessary. People who feel any form of dental anxiety toward the idea of a root canal procedure may attempt to avoid it and only cause more pain for themselves. The causes of an infection in the dental pulp can develop over time and mouthhealthy.org lists them to include:

• A deep cavity
• Repeated dental procedures
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)

While most dental infections are preventable with proper dental hygiene, professional assistance is necessary once the infection reaches the inside of the tooth. The AAE explains that “with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed.” The process for a root canal is not nearly as complex as some people might believe.

Efficient and reliable treatment

With most root canals, the patient will not need to be asleep as with other procedures. In fact root canals “can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances,” the AAE writes. Patients who are worried about losing the inner portion of their tooth do not need to worry. Once fully developed, “the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it,” the AAE adds.

While the process for a root canal requires skill, dentists and specialists alike go through all of the necessary training to perform root canals safely and efficiently. Upon removing the infected portion of the tooth during root canals, “the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha,” the AAE explains.

By filling the tooth with the rubber-like substance, the dentist can help ensure that the tooth does not become infected in the roots again. Root canals are also a much better option to tooth extraction. In fact, dentists prefer to save as much of the tooth as possible. “Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet,” the AAE states. A root canal procedure allows the patient to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

If you or a loved one feels pain in a tooth from eating, biting down on hard foods or drinking beverages, do not hesitate to call and schedule a consultation. While a root canal may not be the necessary treatment, we will help discern the cause of pain and the best treatment method available.

L.A. Dental Arts

At L.A. Dental Arts in Chatsworth, CA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At L.A. Dental Arts, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.