For many individuals, the words “root canal treatment” immediately create feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety. Root canals get a bad reputation due to their portrayal in the media; however, root canals are a routine treatment that is necessary to save patients from facing tooth loss.
At Bayview Village Dental, we prioritize the comfort of our patients. We have compiled a list of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about root canals in North York to help ease the anxiety around this common, tooth-saving treatment.
#1 What is Root Canal Treatment?
Your tooth is made of several layers. The innermost layer of your tooth is called the pulp, which contains all the important nerves and blood vessels for your tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause serious pain and cause your tooth to die if not quickly addressed by a dentist near you.
Root canal treatment is the procedure in which your dentist removes this affected pulp and repairs your tooth to save it from having to be extracted.
#2 How Are Root Canals Performed?
The procedure for a root canal is fairly straightforward. Your dentist will be sure to numb the affected area so that you don’t feel any pain. They will then drill a small hole in your tooth enamel so that they can reach and remove the infected pulp in the interior of your tooth. They will then disinfect and refill the area. Finally, they will place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it from further damage or infection.
#3 Are Root Canals Safe?
Yes, root canals are considered to be very safe. Thousands of Canadians get root canals every year. Your dentist in North York is highly experienced in performing root canals, and they are proven to be a highly effective way to combat infection and prevent tooth loss.
#4 Do Root Canals Hurt?
As mentioned earlier, your dentist will be sure to provide you with a local anesthetic, so the affected area should be completely numb during the procedure. In most cases, patients find that they are relieved of pain after having a root canal because of how much discomfort their infected tooth was causing them.
It is normal to experience some swelling or discomfort after receiving root canal treatment near you. This is due to the movements that the dentist has made in a tender area of your mouth. This pain is usually minimal and can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.
#5 How Long is the Recovery Process?
Any discomfort or swelling should begin to dissipate within 24 hours after your root canal procedure. You will likely be invited back to our dental office for a follow-up visit so that we can ensure your tooth is healing well.
Your dentist may prescribe you painkillers or antibiotics, and you must follow their instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
#6 What Are the Alternatives?
There aren’t many alternatives to root canals. If an infected tooth is left alone, it will cause an abscess, and the infection will spread to other parts of the mouth, creating more severe problems down the line. The only alternative to root canals is tooth extractions, but it is always preferable to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible.
Visit Bayview Village Dental
Our team at Bayview Village Dental is happy to offer root canal treatment to our patients. Your dental health and comfort are our top priority, and our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact our clinic to book a consultation today.