Why Most People Fear Root Canals

When someone doesn’t want to do something, it is not uncommon for them to compare it to getting a root canal. For many people, getting a root canal is something about which they know very little, other than that it is supposedly unpleasant.

Fortunately, addressing the fear of a root canal begins with being educated as to what, exactly, a root canal is. Once you understand how the process works, you’ll realize that there is very little to fear.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

When you have a root canal, it is because some of the soft pulpy tissue inside your tooth has become infected or even died. If this happens, it is necessary to get a root canal in order to save the tooth.

When we perform a root canal, we will drill into the tooth. Of course, the entire area is numbed before this happens, so you won’t feel a thing. Once we get into the tooth, we will drill out the dead or decayed portion. Then, the inside of the tooth is packed with an inert material before the hardened outer exterior is patched with the same material used for fillings.

The result of a root canal is a tooth that looks and operates just fine, without the hidden problems that were there before.

Root Canals Are Actually Relatively Painless

In spite of their terrible reputation, root canals really are not very painful procedures. This is because you are given a numbing shot before the process ever begins, and after it ends, your tooth is fully repaired. In fact, you may have noticed some inflammation or discomfort before the root canal that is gone when the process has been completed.

So, if you think you need a root canal, don’t fear. The procedure is safe, fast, and effective.