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Why is the Root Canal Procedure No Longer Feared?

June 23, 2010 By admin

With the common cases of decay and infection in the tooth that calls for the root canal treatment, several sedation dentists have come close to the patients who severely need their services. Come to think of it, there are a lot of individuals who suffer from dental phobia. Some of them may have lower tolerance for pain while others might have traumatic experiences in the past. Whatever the reason is, there is a professional who could handle the root canal procedure.

Sedation and Sedation Dentistry

Sedation is a strategy that is geared towards pharmacologically adjusting your central nervous system so it could come up with a relaxed and calm feeling. The sedative drugs such as the sleeping pills, depressants, tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and the likes are utilized to bring on sedation. They could likewise be applied in different ways.

Sedation dentistry, on the other hand, is the technique that is applied by a sedation dentist to provoke an anxiety-free and soothing state on the individuals who undergo some dental treatment, particularly the root canal procedure. There is no denying that such process could bring forth loads of ache especially when the patient has the least passion for experiencing pain. When applied, the patient feels oblivious about the number of hours that the process has eaten up.

While it is true that a number of people refrain from setting dental appointments because of their dental phobia, there is a major reason that must prompt you to get one. Oral health is basically necessary. To help you out, the sedation dentist would address your apprehension with a technique that has been professionally learned.

Sleep Dentistry Explained

For most of the times, the term sleep dentistry has been used to mean sedation dentistry. It may get misleading, so to speak yet in truth; you don’t actually sleep during the root canal treatment or any other thorough dental procedure. You may acquire the feeling of being sleepy since the sedation dentist has injected you with soothing drugs that totally lull you into some relaxing state. However, in cases when you need a stronger type of drug that could provoke a deeper slumber during the treatment, what would be administered on you is general anesthesia and not sedation dentistry.

The Types of Sedation as Performed by the Sedation Dentists

To further promote a feeling of ease and calm on the patient, there are three main types of sedation which the sedation dentist may be prompted to use. 

Oral Conscious Sedation. A sedative drug is prescribed by the sedation dentist which needs to be taken before the treatment. If the person deals with a more severe anxiety, then another sedative is advised to be taken while at home an hour before bedtime prior to the day of the dental appointment. The common sedatives include Valium, Dalmane, Halcion, and Versed.

Inhalation Conscious Sedation. The use of oxygen and nitrous oxide are commonly prescribed by a sedation dentist. The thing is, this type of sedation allows the prompt recovery of the patients so they could get on with their normal routine.

Intravenous Conscious Sedation. The sedation dentist who is to apply the IV conscious sedation must be professionally trained. It is held to be more effective and the patient simply forgets about the dental procedure.

With all of the techniques that the sedation dentist is able to apply, there is indeed a solid reason on why root canal treatment should no longer be feared.

Cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk is a website managed by professionals who offer expert information and services recording root canal treatment and sedation dentistry, visit our website to learn more!

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Dental Care – Root Canal Treatments

June 23, 2010 By admin

If you have tooth decay that goes deep inside the innermost layers of a tooth, the pulp of the tooth can become infected. Sometimes, if you have a very bad infection, you can see an abscess form. Other times, however, the infection won’t happen, but the pulp will become very inflamed.

Decay from your tooth isn’t the only way that your tooth can be infected or inflamed. You can also see this from a serious mouth injury or trauma to the mouth. The only way to remedy the situation and save the tooth in this instance is to undergo a dental treatment that is known as a root canal.

If you need a root canal and don’t get one done, the infection in your tooth can spread. The tooth might then need to be extracted at a later date instead. Sometimes, people think that they will skip the root canal and just have the tooth pulled since it needs to be done anyways, but this isn’t the case. You might have a weaker tooth, but it will still work since it will be covered by a crown or another filling with composite material. The procedure can last a lifetime and be very successful if done correctly. It’s better to do the root canal than have your tooth pulled entirely. No matter how much the root canal costs, the dental implant or bridge is far worse, financially.

There are several major steps in a root canal. The first one is the one most important to the patient – the delivery of the local anesthesia. The patient can be sedated for this if they have an intense fear of the process. Once the patient is ready, the dentist will then cut through the crown of the tooth. This cut has to be made in order to get down into the chamber of the tooth with the pulp in it. The dentist will have to take an x-ray to get a better idea of the canals. Next, the dentist cleans out the infected pulp using a tool called an endodontic file. There will also be antiseptic to clean out the infection.

After the canal has been cleaned, it will be filled with a substance called gutta-percha. This material is permanent and ensures that the canals don’t suffer similar infection in the future or become contaminated. After the canals have been cleaned and fixed with the gutta-percha, you will need to repair the hole that the tooth has in it.

The hole will need to filled temporarily until the crown is able to be put on the tooth. The crown needs to be adjusted and fit perfectly before it can be permanently attached to the tooth for a lifetime solution.

Of course, there might be some pain after the procedure has taken place, but once the infection is cleared, typically the pain goes away as well. Pain medication can help during the interim phases until the pain clears.

Moses Wright is a health conscious webmaster and loves to help people learn more about dental care. You can find more resources on Dental Flossing Care and Daily Dental Care at his site.

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5 Ways To Ease Root Canal Pain

June 23, 2010 By admin

Root canal pain is the pain you experience after having a root canal done at the dentists office. Basically a root canal is the removal of bacteria and the root of the tooth. The hollowed out tooth is then filled in to prevent further bacteria from entering the tooth and further decay damage. Modern dentistry techniques tend to minimize any pain that would be associated with a root canal procedure. Though it doesn’t occur in all root canals, it does occur. So what can you do when you are one of the unfortunate individuals to experience this pain?

1. Take an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. This will help relieve the swelling and pain you may be experiencing from the dentistry. Ibuprofen is regularly used as an anti-inflammatory and is available in most drug stores.

2. If your pain is very severe, ask your dentist for a prescription pain-killer. Asa precaution many dentists will give you the prescription in case the pain becomes too much to handle. ( This avoids having to go to the doctors office or returning to the dentist.)

3. Try a numbing gel like Oragel. This is the type of stuff you use when little kids are cutting teeth. It numbs the area, makes you drool rather badly but can defiantly help with the pain. Ensure you don’t use too much because excessive swallowing of the gel can cause you to stop breathing due to relaxed throat muscles.

4. The good old ice pack. As soon as you arrive home from the dentist apply an ice pack to the affected area. This works bot to numb the area and to reduce swelling that may result from the root canal.

5. Stick to a soft food or even liquid diet. You don’t want to be eating any hard food products with your irritated teeth and gums. Sticking to liquid will provide you nourishment with minimal pain. Plus if it is something cold it will help to relieve some of the swelling as well.

You can easily relieve root canal pain with some regular everyday techniques. If you are one of the unlucky few to suffer from root canal pain, take comfort in knowing ways to relieve your pain. If your pain becomes very severe or does not clear up within a few days contact your dentist as some bacteria may still be present within the affected tooth. And although it would be unpleasant to have to endure another root canal, it is a better alternative to severe infection and sickness.

Trust me i’ve been through the most severe toothaches that you will ever imagine. Both you and I know that toothache pains can be some of the most gut wrenching consistent throbbing pains and you will ever have to endure throughout your lifetime . Thank god there are natural remedies out there to compensate for the dentist, cure your pain and not put a dent in your pocket book.

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What Causes a Need for a Root Canal?

June 23, 2010 By admin

A lot of people think that bad hygiene is the cause of all teeth problems. This is only one cause of root canal.

The fact is we inherit our teeth from our parents, determining whether we have hard or soft teeth.
Soft teeth decay more readily than hard teeth and take extra careful hygiene to prevent decay and other problems.

Decay is the number one cause of root canal. When the decay progresses to the pulp chamber of the tooth, you will usually feel sensitivity when you drink something hot or cold. This doesn’t automatically indicate root canal. Sometimes just getting the decay removed and cavity filled takes care of the problem.

If the decay has progressed too far, bacteria can get into the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection, better known as an abscess in the bone at the end of the root of your tooth and can be seen on x-ray. There are sometimes no symptoms as nerves can die slowly over time. This is one reason dentists take x-rays during your routine cleaning appointments.

If left untreated, the abscess can get larger and literally eat away at the bone in your jaw causing
pain and swelling. This can result in whole body systemic infection that could reach your brain and
cause death. (This is VERY rare and but has happened). The only remedy is a root canal or have the tooth removed.

Another cause of root canal is from old metal filling that will shrink over time and decay starts underneath it undetected until you feel pain or temperature sensitivity.

The second most common cause of root canal is tooth fracture caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, eating hard foods or chewing ice. Your tooth can develop hairline type fracture(s) or craze lines that let bacteria into the pulp chamber inflaming the nerve or infecting the tooth. You will not be able to ignore the pain this can cause, especially if you bite something hard and increase the fracture. Chewing on the other side of your mouth is ignoring this problem, not curing it. Unfortunately, that is the route some people take until the tooth becomes infected or the pain unbearable.

However, it is noted by many doctors that different people suffer a different degree of pain in their
mouths. X-ray of teeth with abscess that would cause severe pain to most average people have had the patient state that it did not hurt at all! It’s amazing, and dangerous, that some people can have severe tooth problems and not feel strong pain.

The third cause of root canal is trauma. People that were hit in the mouth as a child, can have the tooth get infected as an adult. Car accidents, work or sports related injuries, and falls that make you snap your teeth together can cause damage to the nerve that may or may not show up right away.

Also, having deep fillings done on the tooth, taking out old metal fillings and replacing them with
composite (white) fillings, or having the tooth drilled down for a crown can be traumatic for some
nerves inside the teeth and cause the nerve to get inflamed. Inflamed nerves can sometimes settle
down after a short period, or be very painful and require root canal therapy or extraction for relief.

Debbie Boynton has worked in dental field for eight years. Find more info at:
Root Canal Help
Use this article on your website as long as this resource box is included and this article remains unchanged. ?2006 Debbie L Boynton

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Root Canal New York for Successful Treatment

June 23, 2010 By admin

Root canal is an extensive dentistry procedure that is undertaken by dentists to correct certain dental problems in individuals. Normally there are around one to four root canals in the human teeth. Root canal treatment procedure is that treatment method which is used by dentists to treat the aspects related to the inner portion of the teeth. The inner portion of the human teeth is hollow in nature and has tissues known as nerve tissues to support the teeth.

The tooth receives nutrition through these nerve tissues. Sometimes it may happen that the nerve tissue becomes infected due to certain reasons. If this is not treated immediately the condition can worsen and become very painful. Root canal can be very effectively treated in New York by many professional dentist’s who are operating in the area. If you have to undergo this procedure just make sure that you locate the best dentist who will successfully do the procedure on your teeth.

Since this is one of the extensive dentistry procedures many people fear undergoing this treatment. The tooth is very sensitive and this exactly why people fear undergoing this treatment procedure. If you have to undergo the procedure there are certain things that you must take care of. Listen to whatever you dentist advices you to do, as he is the best person to guide you in the proper way. If the dentist prescribes you to take antibiotics make sure that you take the exact amount of the medicine that he has prescribed you to have. Take anti inflammatory medicine prescribed by your dentist to reduce any inflammation that may take place after the root canal procedure.

If you have to undergo this procedure you must know exactly what things are involved for root canal. There are certain risks involved with this dentistry procedure. Root canal treatment procedure may not be successful always. If the condition is severe then even undergoing the root canal treatment procedure may not be able to save the teeth and the teeth can die. If the teeth dies away then extracting the teeth remains the only option for the dentist. Extracting of the teeth means that you will have missing teeth, but this can be fixed very easily through restorative dentistry by a professionally qualified dentist in New York.

Though there are some instances where Root canal New York has not been successful, this treatment procedure has been successful in most cases. When you have found out a professionally qualified dentist to undergo the procedure make sure that the dentist is experienced enough to undertake the procedure. Proper after care is very essential if you want to have successful results. The teeth can be sore for several days after undergoing root canal. Pain relievers prescribed by your doctor is perfect for getting rid of this soreness.

Rinsing your mouth with hot warm salt water many times of the day can also be very helpful in reliving soreness from the teeth and its adjoining areas. It is best to avoid chewing foodstuff with the affected areas where the procedure of root canal has been performed. Make sure to visit your dentist’s office regularly for follow up checks as and when prescribed to you.

Erzana Jones has special interest in dentistry and health related topics. She has been working for Manhattandental SPA since the last 3 years. For more information about Dentists Manhattan, teeth whitening,Root canal New York or any kind of dental emergency visit www.manhattandentalspa.com

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How to Determine Whether or not You Need Root Canal Treatment

June 22, 2010 By admin

When it comes to flashing your smile, you would often think about the type of teeth that you have enclosed within your mouth. Would it not be a main concern of anyone? The level of confidence plus the manner of dealing with your relations socially and professionally are totally affected by the way your teeth are structured. How much more when you have decayed or infected teeth? The more that you need to submit yourself to root canal treatment!

What is Endodontics?

Simply put, Endodontics is the division of dentistry which tackles the concerns about the diseases that highlight the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is located right in the core of the tooth as well as in the canals within the root of every tooth. The pulp contains the blood vessels, the nerves, and the connective tissues and it is likewise the one that keeps the tooth healthy. It is the very first one to appear through the gums and may be removed as soon as the tooth reaches its maturity stage.

An endodontic treatment or root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp. Such procedure ranks as one of the most common dental treatments adhered to by millions of people who share the agony of tooth decay.

Why should you get a root canal treatment?

There are two principal reasons that should prompt you to get a root canal treatment-pulp infection and pulp damage.
Any cavity that remains untreated is the root cause of pulp infection. The decay is the basis which wears away the dentin and enamel of the tooth until such time that it gets to the root canal. With this, the pulp gets prone to bacterial infection. Normally, antibiotics would be taken to soothe the pain away but the truth is, the infection that lies inside the teeth could never be treated. As the infection gets tough, it brings forth inflammation which then lessens the supply of blood into the tooth and that results to the endless agony since it rids the healing of the pulp.

Another reason that must motivate you to undergo root canal treatment is due to the damage in the pulp that could not be fixed in any way. Fracture or trauma to the tooth could lead to the damage of the pulp. The same thing happens when too much restoration or fillings have been applied in the same tooth over and over again. Another is the application of a crown and other dental procedures would also cause the injury of the pulp.

When do you need a root canal treatment?

The symptoms that would tell you that you need a root canal treatment include the pain that you feel when you touch, push, or bite down on the tooth, when the tooth gets receptive to heat and cold for more than a few seconds, inflammation is visible close to the tooth, and when the tooth is broken or discolored.

The dentist is the only authorized person to perform root canal treatment on you. After a thorough test, the dentist would inform you of the necessity to administer root canal treatment for your own good.

Dental-suite.co.uk offers a wealth of information regarding the root canal treatment as well as the increasingly popular 6 month braces or accelerated orthodontics, visit our website to learn more!

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So You Need a Root Canal

June 22, 2010 By admin

You’re a little anxious. You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t have some concern.


Probably, after finding out that you needed to have a root canal, you told a friend. What did your friend do? He or she immediately shared with you the gruesome details of the pain and suffering experienced by Aunt Bessie or Uncle Ben with their root canal back in 1962.


With that new piece of information your anxiety meter probably red-lined. Relax. It is the 21st century not 1962. There have been many advances made over the years. The important thing to remember is that a root canal procedure removes the nerve or nerves of the tooth. Where do the sensors send the brain its pain reports? The nerves. If the nerve is removed that particular pain transmitter is no longer there. Hence no pain.


Now can there be some discomfort? Yes that is possible. But let me be very clear. A root canal procedure is done to alleviate current or future pain.


Let’s look at the steps taken in doing a root canal.


After examining your tooth you’re dentist will do x-rays. This will give him a picture of the tooth that he will be working on. The x-rays will provide him with important information needed to assist him in determining the health of the tooth. With this information he will determine the treatment necessary to insure the health of your tooth.


During the x-rays, the technician will place a piece of x-ray film in your mouth. It will usually be held in place by a small “wing” that you bite. This prevents movement so that the picture will not be blurred. It only takes a moment. The technician will also place an apron over you during the x-ray. This is a precaution that will protect your body from the tiny amount of radiation used to take the x-ray. This procedure is completely painless and the x-ray itself only takes a moment.


Once your dentist determines that a root canal is necessary, you will have several options. The important thing at this point is to ensure that you and your dentist communicate. He will tell you what he deems important. This may not cover everything that you might be interested in knowing. The way to find out is to ask. Any concerned dentist will be glad to spend time with you answering your questions. After all, he wants you to be comfortable and to have a high confidence level in him.


If the tooth or area around the tooth is infected your dentist may elect to prescribe a regimen of antibiotics to halt the infection prior to the procedure. This may result in waiting a few days until the antibiotics have done their work. Once the antibiotics have run their course then the procedure will be scheduled.


General dentists are trained in root canal therapy and are qualified to do most root canals. However if your dentist believes it would be better for you to see a specialist he may recommend that you see an endodontist.


The endodontist specializes in the inside of the tooth. Whether it is the general dentist or the endodontist the procedure will be basically the same.


First the tooth will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Once your dentist is confident that the local anesthetic has taken effect he will begin the procedure.


The tooth will be cleaned down to the root area. Then the nerve will be removed with a small file. This will remove all of the nerve in the canal. Once that is accomplished the canal will be filled with a medicated substance and a temporary crown put in place.


In the past, this was normally done in two separate procedures. But modern advances are suggesting that the complete procedure may be done in only one visit. Your dentist will determine which procedure is in your best interest.


Once the procedure is successfully completed you will have a finished tooth that will continue to function well for many years.


Now you may be thinking that you can just wait and everything will be okay. Unfortunately that will not happen. Your body needs the protection given by having the root canal done. A sick, dead or dying canal area provides a great place for bacteria to breed and grow. Left unattended the infection will worsen and you will be experiencing pain that could become excruciating.


Don’t wait. If your dentist makes the decision that a root canal is necessary, have it done as soon as possible. You will be glad you did. For once the root is gone, the pain will be

Don Robertson is co-founder of Benefit Discount Services. Through his company he provides big savings on dental braces, dental crowns, dental bridges and all other dental procedures done in the dentist’s office–including cosmetic dentistry. You can learn more by going to http://www.webenefityou.com.

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A Root Canal Is Nothing To Fear

June 22, 2010 By admin

Many people cringe at the words “root canal,” even though they don’t usually understand what a root canal is, why they are sometimes necessary, or what happens during the process. Root canal treatment actually plays a vital role in preventing the loss of decayed teeth. They also help to prevent toxins and bacteria from entering the bloodstream through infected teeth, causing other negative health issues.


Although many people would rather not think about it, this treatment is often crucial to good health. The following paragraphs detail the root canal treatment process, outlining what to expect, the costs involved, and other important factors.


Extracting The Pulp


The inside of every tooth is filled with nerve tissue and pulp. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected, it begins to deteriorate. Once this begins, bacteria grows and multiplies. After a while, an abscess forms in the infected area. If the infection or abscess goes unchecked, a patient usually experiences facial swelling and sometimes even a hole in the infected tooth. During root canal treatment, the pulp is removed from the interior of the tooth, halting the infection and keeping bacteria from entering the bloodstream.


The Root Canal Procedure


Before starting the treatment, your dentist will usually take an x-ray of your infected tooth. The x-ray helps your dentist identify the location of the infection inside and around the jawbone. Then, your dentist will administer an anesthetic to numb the tooth and gums. After the anesthetic has taken effect, your dentist drills a hole into the infected tooth to form an access point for removing the pulp and bacteria. Your dentist will scrape the tooth cavity with several small files before flushing out remaining particles with water.


If your infection is severe, your dentist will use antibiotic medication before sealing the cavity with a paste and rubber mixture and placing a filling on top of the infected tooth. Finally, your dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect and restore it as the final step in the root canal treatment procedure.


Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?


It does not hurt nearly as bad as people imagine. The aversion most people have is usually due to the anxiety exhibited by other people during the time leading up to having the procedure. Afterwards, patients often remark that the discomfort level is similar to a regular cavity filling procedure or that it was not painful at all.


Keep in mind that a root canal treatment is performed on a tooth with dead nerve tissue. Since the sensation of pain is delivered to people via nerve tissue, the treatment could actually be done without an anesthetic since the tooth’s nerve tissue is dead.


The Costs And Other Factors


The price of a root canal treatment varies, depending on several factors. First, the treatment costs less on incisors than on molars. Second, the severity of the damage, decay, or infection can affect the cost with more severe cases costing the most. Third, the costs can differ dramatically based on the experience of the dentist performing the procedure. Consider than an endondontist with two extra years of root canal training may charge a higher fee.


Don’t fear a root canal treatment. They can help save your teeth and are not as painful as many people believe. If you have a painful tooth, speak with your dentist about the possibility of root canal treatment.

Christine O’Kelly is a writer for Smile In The City, an experienced dentist in New York with a team of specialists. This New York City dentist offers solutions such as dental implants, root canal treatment, and laser periodontal plastic surgery.

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Introduction To Root Canal Therapy

June 22, 2010 By admin

It is one of the most feared dental procedures. Millions of people avoid going to the dentist simply because they dread hearing the inevitable recommendation: they need a root canal. When tooth decay occurs, most people initially feel little discomfort. But, as the decay spreads and becomes more pronounced, pain in the mouth becomes more prevalent. This pain may manifest when biting or chewing food, drinking hot or cold beverages, or simply walking. If left unchecked, it can become unbearable.


The root of the problem is damaged or infected nerves within the dental pulp. The nerves within the tooth’s pulp can sustain damage in a couple of different ways. First, when a cavity forms, bacteria appear. If the bacteria is identified and cleaned early, it doesn’t present a problem. However, if it is allowed to grow and expand, it can eventually reach the pulpal nerve. When that happens, the bacteria can cause decay and infection. The second way in which the nerves can become damaged is when the jaw or tooth is forcibly struck. The trauma can be severe enough to damage the tissue. In time, the tissue can become infected and in need of root canal therapy.


Having a root canal done can correct the problem, preventing the infection from spreading further.


Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?


If the pulpal nerve becomes damaged and infection sets in, pain ensues. However, pain is not the main concern. If the infection is allowed to spread, it can penetrate the bone around the affected tooth. Given enough time, the bone will eventually become incapable of properly housing the tooth. When a person avoids going to the dentist to have a root canal performed, they are, in effect, willing to sacrifice their tooth and the structural integrity of the surrounding bone.


How It Works


The root canal procedure begins with the removal of the crown from the affected tooth. An endodontist does this in order to gain access to the tooth’s infected or damaged pulpal nerve. Then, the affected tissue is removed and the surrounding area is cleaned. Once the area has been cleaned, the endodontist will enlarge it, shaping it so that the surface can bond to the filling. The filling is then placed to prevent infection from reappearing. Once the area has been filled, a new crown is created and placed on top in order to seal the restored tooth.


Misconception About The Pain


There’s a common fallacy about the pain of having root canal therapy. Decades ago, the procedure was accompanied by a significant amount of discomfort. That perception still exists, even though it is untrue. Today, root canal therapy involves practically no pain. Experienced endodontists take steps to ensure their patients experience as little discomfort as possible during the procedure.


After The Procedure


Once a root canal has been performed, the patient is strongly encouraged to make a follow-up appointment with the endodontist. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, the affected tooth from which pulpal tissue has been removed can become dry and brittle. If it is not restored properly, it can easily fracture or chip. Second, your endodontist can check the tooth and the area within to ensure that new infections haven’t emerged.


Getting a root canal isn’t nearly as daunting a procedure as most people believe. Root canal therapy can be performed with little to no discomfort. Most importantly, it restores your natural teeth and eliminates infections that can spread and cause significant damage. If the thought of having the procedure done is unnerving to you, speak with your dentist to gain a better understanding of what is involved.

Christine O’Kelly is a writer for Smile In The City, the solutions-based website of an experienced New York root canal expert and his team of specialists. This Manhattan root canal dentist also offers dental implants, smile makeovers, I.V. sedation, and laser periodontal plastic surgery.

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Root Canal – It’s Not a Horror Story

June 22, 2010 By admin

You’ve heard it a thousand times: “I’d rather have a root canal than __” you fill in the blank. Root canals have gained one of the worst reputations on the planet and, believe it or not, it is much undeserved.

I worked for an Endodontist for eight years. That’s a root canal specialist. I’ve talked to thousands of people with toothache and fear of root canals. The first question always asked is “Is it going to hurt?”

This is the scenario: your toothache hurts like the dickens. You’ve had an x-ray that reveals decay into the pulp of the tooth. You have two alternatives: get the tooth pulled or save it by having a root canal.

The root canal itself does not hurt, OK? Remember Novocain? No dentist or Endodontist is going to perform a root canal on you if you aren’t numb first. It is a precision procedure. You have to be still and not move around in the dental chair. You must be numb to accomplish that.

It is not the root canal causing the pain. The problem that made you have to have a root canal is causing the pain. A root canal is the first step to alleviating the pain.

After your root canal there may be some discomfort, but it is a different or healing type pain. Most times, it is very mild and can be controlled with over the counter pain medications. In only 1% of the cases is it worse than before having the root canal.

So where did the bad reputation come from? Many people fear the dentist to start with and ignore the warning signs of a problem simply because they do not want to go to the dentist. The toothache, which most times is caused by decay, gets worse. It could be something as simple as a dull ache while drinking something hot or cold. It goes away and is ignored. But, one day, it doesn’t go away. You bite down and get a shooting pain that seems to go on forever. Or you drink something cold which sends you through the roof. It’s root canal time.

The key is to get the tooth fixed before it gets infected and swells your jaw to chipmunk proportions. See your dentist at the first sign of symptoms.

There are times, however, when it does sneak up on you seemingly without warning. You could have an unknown fracture in a tooth that widens all of a sudden when you chew. Ouch! You’ll know it if that happens. Once that fracture reaches the inside nerve of your tooth, you will not be able to ignore the torment it can cause and will be more than happy to see your dentist or Endodontist at first available opportunity.

But see? A root canal is the solution to your toothache, not the cause of it. But, you already knew that, didn’t you?

Debbie Boynton has worked in dental field for eight years. Find more info at:
Toothache Help
Use this article on your website as long as this resource box is included and this article remains unchanged. ?2006 Debbie L Boynton

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