If you have been told that you require root canal treatment in Chestermere, you may be worried. Root canal treatment works to remove infected soft tissue in the center of your tooth, known as the pulp, and tends to have a bad reputation. However, root canals are not as scary as the media may have led you to believe and are vital in saving you from tooth extractions. Here are some things that you should know before the procedure.
Do Not Put Off Treatment if Your Pain Subsides
An infection of your tooth’s pulp can be very painful, but sometimes this pain can suddenly vanish. If this happens, do not assume that your tooth has healed on its own. Often, when infection progresses, your tooth begins to die, and the nerves no longer register pain. It is still just as vital that you receive treatment for this.
The Procedure Should Not Be Painful
Many people associate root canal treatment with pain, but when you visit a dentist near you for root canal treatment, you will soon realize that this is not the case. Before your procedure, your dentist in Chestermere will numb the area around your affected tooth, and the entire procedure should feel similar to having a cavity filled.
You May Experience Some Soreness
While root canal treatment itself isn’t painful, it is normal to feel some tenderness and soreness after the procedure. This should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside after a few days.
Antibiotics Are Not A Viable Alternative to Treatment
Some people believe that antibiotics will be sufficient to treat their infections because they treat bacterial infections. However, antibiotics only work by reaching the site of infection through your bloodstream. Since the bacteria that cause infections in your tooth’s pulp are in the root canal system, antibiotics cannot reach them.
Root Canal Treatment Does Not Make Your Tooth Invincible
Although root canal treatment can save your tooth, it won’t protect your tooth from further cavities or gum disease. Your tooth should last a long time after root canal treatment if you are committed to maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine. Your routine should include:
- Brushing for two minutes twice a day.
- Flossing once a day.
- Visiting your dentist at East Chestermere Dental for regular checkups and cleanings at least once every six months.
Root Canal Treatment Can Protect Your Smile
When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or damaged, the only alternative to undergoing root canal treatment near you is getting tooth extractions. It is important to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible. A missing tooth cannot only affect the appearance of your smile, but it can also cause further oral health issues down the line, such as shifting teeth, bone deterioration, and more tooth decay.
Visit East Chestermere Dental
While root canal treatment can seem daunting, it is a straightforward procedure that effectively removes damaged or infected pulp and saves a tooth from having to be extracted.
If you have more questions about root canal treatment, such as how the procedure works or how it can benefit you in the long run, please feel free to contact our clinic.
At East Chestermere Dental, our team of dedicated dental professionals is dedicated to protecting your oral health and helping you maintain your beautiful, natural smile for as long as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact our clinic today to book a consultation concerning root canal treatment near you!