What’s great about a root canal? It can save an otherwise doomed tooth and put a stop to your pain — all with one relatively quick procedure. If you need a root canal, Edgewater Dental can help.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is recommended for teeth with advanced decay. In particular, we’re talking about decay that has reached the vulnerable inner pulp of the tooth, making extraction a very real possibility.

You may have heard a horror story or seen friends shudder at the mere mention of a root canal. They’re really not so bad, and it’s a straightforward procedure. Our endodontist performs many each week at Edgewater Dental.

When we look at dental procedures in terms of what they can prevent, we typically see a much rosier picture. Getting the root canal you need can stop or prevent:

• Further decay

• Extraction

• Pain

• Necrosis

• Implant and crown

• Bone loss

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is in some ways similar to a filling. Here’s how the procedure goes:

• Once you’re completely numbed with local anesthesia, the endodontist begins by drilling as we would to fill a regular cavity.

• Going beyond the crown of the tooth, the endodontist accesses the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals to clean them thoroughly, removing decay and bacteria.

• The next step is to replace the pulp with a safe, biocompatible substance.

• Finally, we seal the tooth and place a dental restoration, typically a crown. This final touch restores the tooth’s natural shape and function.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Root canals sure do have a terrible reputation. The truth is, they’re not as bad as they’re made out to be for several reasons:

• We will of course provide local anesthesia. You will not feel pain while the endodontist is working.

• We also offer sedation for patients who want it.

• If you’ve been experiencing a toothache, a root canal represents the end of that pain.

• Soreness after a root canal procedure can be easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.

Overall, you won’t experience very much, or any, pain associated with your root canal. We’ve got it down to a science!