What is a Root Canal?

We’ve all heard it and we all dread the idea: a root canal. But hearing about it as the boogeyman of the dental industry and knowing exactly what the procedure entails are two different things! Before you need to sit down for the procedure yourself, know what it means when you’re asked to come in for the appointment. You might even find it’s not so scary after all!

Root Canal Basics

The root canal procedure is designed to help get rid of bacteria from inside the infected root canal. This prevents reinfection and can help save the natural tooth so you won’t need a set of fakes to keep your pearly whites shining bright.

During the procedure, the inflamed and infected pulp is removed and the entire interior of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected then filled and sealed up to keep more bacteria from entering. Teeth are made healthier through this procedure and you’ll quickly find just a bit of pain during the procedure helps save you a whole host of issues later on.

Root canals today are very different from those of the past. What used to take many appointments and tons of time can usually be finished in just one or two appointments so you can keep going with your everyday life. By doing a root canal, you’ll be back to doing all of your favorite things with your natural teeth intact in no time!

Root Canals and Pain

Root canals are often portrayed as extremely painful and hard to stand. Patients who undergo the procedure are given an anesthetic which numbs the entire area or even knocks you out cold. During the procedure, the root canal isn’t any more painful than any normal dental procedure. Afterward, the area can be a bit sorer or end up numb than usual but it wears off in a short time.

Cost

Getting a root canal can cost you a pretty penny. The entire price tag depends on how big the issue is when your dentist catches it. The cost also depends on where in the mouth your root canal needs to happen.

Going through this process will still end up being less expensive than having to have the tooth extracted so dealing with just a few hours of extra pain is worth the lower cost. Extracted teeth have to be replaced and that costs more since they need to be created. Root canals help keep the natural tooth in place.

Takeaway

Root canals often seem like the big bad wolf of dental work but they can help you retain your natural teeth which will end up saving you pain and money in the long-run. While doing your due diligence and taking care of your teeth first and foremost is the best way to avoid any issues with your teeth, undergoing a root canal will help you save your natural teeth if worst comes to worst!

When you need a dentist who understands all of the procedures including root canals, contact Gentle Dentistry at 435-986-9799 to set up an appointment!