Root Canal Treatment in Westborough
Endodontics is an area of dentistry that involves the nerves of the teeth. This field deals with a term that many people dread hearing – root canal. Root canal treatment may be if the nerves in your teeth get infected. A root canal can remove these painful nerves.
Root canals have a bad reputation. This notorious procedure is known for causing a lot of pain, but the truth is that it’s just the opposite. In fact, this common treatment is quite beneficial and can actually relieve pain. Once a root canal is done, you’ll likely feel much better.
It’s important to treat your infection promptly. If not, you could develop an abscess, which can cause severe pain, swelling, fever and over symptoms. Technological advances in dentistry have made root canals less painful than ever. You will be given a local anesthetic before the procedure and pain medication afterward, so the soreness and discomfort should be minimal. Anxiety and fear should not stop you from protecting your oral health.
Ignore the myths you might have heard about root canal treatment. Don’t put off your treatment any longer. Get pain relief and protect your mouth from further damage with help from the friendly staff at Family Dental Westborough. Call us today at (508) 366-7450 to learn more.
Causes of Root Canal Problems
Root canal problems can happen for several reasons. One common cause is significant tooth decay. When cavities are left untreated, they can cause bacteria to travel to the pulp tissue in the center of the tooth, causing an infection.
Tooth damage is another cause. Teeth that are cracked or chipped can create an opening in the enamel, also allowing bacteria to access the tooth’s pulp.
Trauma can also lead to root canal issues. A sports injury or accident can cause a person to hit their head and damage pulp tissue. So can previous dental work. Having multiple fillings or restorations done on the same tooth can increase the need for a root canal treatment.
Should You Get Root Canal Treatment?
While a root canal treatment may seem like a scary and extensive procedure, it’s not as bad as you think. While it’s normal to feel a little anxiety, you should try not to delay this treatment, as waiting too long can lead to tooth loss.
A root canal treatment can help you in many ways. Here are some of the benefits:
- You’ll enjoy quick pain relief.
- You’ll lower your risk of abscesses and damage to the jawbone.
- There is less risk of tooth loss, which can lead to a host of problems, including shifting teeth, difficulties eating and speaking, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
- A root canal is less expensive than implants, bridges and other tooth replacement options.
- You’ll likely be able to keep your natural tooth, which is better than having a fake one.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure that usually requires just one office visit. You should be comfortable during the treatment, as your dentist will give you a local anesthetic. This will numb the affected area and reduce pain.
The first step is to remove he dead tissue. To do this, the dentist will use small instruments to make a small hole in the affected tooth. The dentist will use small instruments to remove the dead pulp tissue. The chamber and empty canals are cleaned and disinfected. The open is then filled with a special cement called gutta percha to keep out bacteria and prevent future infection.
You can expect some discomfort and sensitivity for a few days afterward. The dentist may give you prescription medications to help with pain and swelling.
After the procedure, you may be fitted for a crown for the affected tooth. A crown covers up the damage wile providing functionality, so you can use your tooth as normal.