Many patients experience some level of dental anxiety when getting treatment. But there are few treatments that bring forth as much fear and worry as a root canal. Getting a root canal in McLeansville, NC, doesn’t have to be a stressor in your life. In fact, most patients report an immediate relief of pain, not an increase in pain. If you have an infected pulp, a root canal could be your best option for preserving your tooth. And the longer you put it off, the more likely you are to suffer more damage.
What is a Root Canal in McLeansville, NC?
A majority of fear or anxiety often comes from a lack of knowledge. We don’t know what’s going to happen, so we automatically assume the worst. But root canals are fairly routine procedures that are a lot less scary than you may believe. Your tooth is made up of multiple layers, with the root canal being the innermost layer and the enamel the outermost. When the inner pulp of your tooth, which is connected to blood vessels and nerves, becomes infected, it can cause serious pain and discomfort. Removing the infected pulp is often necessary to help preserve your tooth.
To do this, your dentist will need to drill a small hole in your tooth. They’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Most patients report feeling pressure during the procedure but minimal to no pain. Your dentist will then use specialized extraction tools to remove the infected pulp. This often results in immediate relief from pain and sensitivity. Once the pulp is removed, your dentist will then seal the tooth to help prevent decay or damage.
After Care
After the anesthetic wears off, it’s natural to feel some tenderness around the affected tooth and slight pain in your jaw from keeping your mouth open during treatment. Typically, these symptoms will go away over time. Your dentist may recommend using an over-the-counter pain medication to help. If symptoms persist for more than a day or you experience sharp pain or bleeding, contact your dentist right away for a follow-up exam.
Post-Root Canal Treatment
After your procedure is complete, it can be easy to feel like the work is done. However, there is often still one last thing to do. While the sealant used can help protect your tooth, it’s not as effective as a dental crown. Most dentists recommend getting a dental crown after a root canal to help protect and preserve your natural tooth.
If you suffer from extreme pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, You could have an infected pulp. At McLeansville Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer root canal treatment from the comfort of our dental office. Call us today at 336.506.6545 to schedule a consultation and see if a root canal could be right for you.