Ask people what they fear the most and one of the things that are likely to crop up is a visit to the dentist. Even more specifically, most people are terrified of a root canal. Visits to the dentists have always been considered terrifying and this is because the technology that was in use for decades did not protect patients from discomfort and pain. In this article, we explain to you why you do not need to fear a root canal procedure.
What Is A Root Canal Procedure?
Without proper dental hygiene, it is possible for teeth to be attacked by bacteria. When this happens, it creates a situation where the tooth is slowly destroyed, starting from the hard outer enamel and into the nerve tissue at the root of the tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage, the doctor may opt to perform a root canal procedure. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the pulpy center of the tooth and clean up the area. The dental cleaning is important as the doctor needs to remove all bacteria in the cavity so that the tooth is not re-infected.
Is It Painful?
Due to improvements in technology, root canal procedures are nothing to be afraid of any more. Infact, most people are able to get a root canal procedure and be back in their offices or school within several hours of the procedure. The doctor is certain to use anaesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable during the process. It is important to tell your dentist (assuming he or she does not have your medical history) about any medical conditions that may affect the anesthesia.
After the procedure, it is common for people to feel some slight discomfort. You need not worry about this as it will soon go away as the wound heals. The doctor is likely to suggest that you avoid eating for a few hours in order to allow the treated area to heal. Even after this, it is still a good idea to eat soft foods until the wound is completely healed. This is to prevent hard food items rapturing the wound and causing the tooth to bleed.
Preparing for A Root Canal
Even with the knowledge that your root canal procedure is likely to be painless, it is still common for most people to be nervous. Much of this nervousness can be overcome by understanding the procedure and what exactly will be done. Many dentists are often happy to talk to their patients and reassure them that all will be well. If you drink or smoke, it is a good idea to cut back on these in the lead-up to your treatment. Nicotine and alcohol can affect how quickly your tooth heals after a root canal procedure. By cutting back, you ensure a speedy recovery and thus less pain. Dr. Alex Rubinov is an experienced dental practitioner in New York. The practice offers a range of services including teeth whitening, smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics, to name but a few. Contact the team at (718) 253-0800 for an appointment.