Do You Need a Root Canal?
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| Diane Suda, is an Endodontist at the Kenmore and Braintree offices. |
By Diane Suda, DMD, Endodontist
When a patient hears that he or she needs a root canal, the news is often met with anxiety and fear. In reality, root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. It's a beneficial treatment that eliminates pain and saves a natural tooth. In fact root canal treatment saves more than 17 million teeth each year.
Root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth (the pulp) becomes diseased or damaged due to decay or injury. The inflammation associated with this damage causes pain and will eventually lead to infection. Instead of removing the tooth, root canal treatment can prolong the life of the tooth.
Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment is done under local anesthesia and involves removing the damaged soft tissues inside the pulp chamber of the tooth and replacing it with a filling material. The dentist then places a crown or other restoration on the tooth. Teeth saved by root canal therapy can last a lifetime.
Tips
for Relieving Dental Pain
Dentists who specialize in root canal procedures are called endodontists and they offer these tips for relieving dental pain:
- Don't ignore minor or transient tooth pain. It may be a sign of a problem that can be treated before a serious toothache develops. Sharp pain on biting may be a symptom of a cracked or loose filling, a crack in the tooth, or decay.
- Toothaches seem to hurt more at night because the blood goes to your head when you lie down. Elevating your head may help ease the pain.
- A non steroidal anti-inflammatory can help ease the pain until you can go to your dentist.
- If you are afraid of dental work speak to your dentist about your fears. This can help ease anxiety and studies show that a relaxed patient feels less pain.
You can help maintain good oral hygiene by eating a healthy diet and by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Regular dental cleanings and check ups are important in letting you chew the foods you love comfortably and maintaining your natural teeth. For both cosmetic and functional reasons, saving a natural tooth should be the first alternative to consider.
Material for this article was compiled from the American Association of Endodontists.