If you are like a lot of people, you may be under the impression that a root canal is a dental procedure to be avoided at all costs — painful, invasive, and even torturous. It’s possible that in the bad old days of dentistry, before the introduction of our modern techniques and technology, endodontic therapy was much more unpleasant than it is today. Another possible reason for this treatment’s unfair reputation is that people who need root canals tend to already have pain, which they may mistakenly attribute to the treatment and not the underlying problem itself.

But most patients who’ve undergone a root canal report that their procedure was no big deal and no more painful than getting a standard filling.

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, you won’t necessarily require a root canal, but it’s important to visit Charles F. Betts Family Dentistry as soon as possible so we can figure out the source of your discomfort. You may get in touch online or, for more immediate assistance, call our Decatur, AL office at 256-274-8680.

Why Might I Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if the pulp, or nerve-filled soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or is in danger of becoming infected. This can occur due to deep decay, damage from too many dental procedures, a traumatic injury to the tooth, a crack in the tooth, or a failed filling or crown.

If these conditions are ignored, they will eventually lead to massive infection and the loss of the tooth, in addition to other potential consequences. A root canal enables you to keep your natural tooth, therefore avoiding invasive and expensive restorative procedures and tooth replacements.

What Can I Expect During My Root Canal?

A root canal is a relatively simple procedure that will be over before you know it! Here is what to expect during the procedure.

  • First, we will thoroughly numb your mouth to ensure you don’t feel a thing. We may place a piece of rubber called a dental dam over the area to keep it dry and clean.
  • We will drill a small hole in your tooth, in order to access the pulp inside. We will remove all of the infected material, then thoroughly clean and dry the chamber.
  • We will fill the empty interior chamber of the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. We will then close up the hole in the crown of your tooth with a temporary filling.
  • At some date after the root canal procedure, you will return to our office and we will place a permanent crown over your tooth.

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, call Charles F. Betts Family Dentistry in Decatur, AL right away. We will thoroughly examine your teeth, pinpoint the source of your discomfort, and determine the best way to bring your mouth back to health. If the solution is a root canal, you have nothing to fear. We use the most cutting-edge and modern techniques, and strive to keep you as comfortable as possible. A successful root canal does not cause pain — it ends it. Dial 256-274-8680 or get in touch through our online.