You don’t need to let the term “root canal” strike fear in your heart. Root canal treatment is required when the nerve inside the tooth has become severely damaged or infected. There are many misconceptions about root canals that can easily be dispelled with answers to a few important questions:

What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment describes the procedure of cleaning the infected pulp (nerve) of the tooth, refilling it so the tooth can remain strong, and sealing the root canals to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Are there alternatives to a root canal? The only alternatives are to either leave the tooth alone or have it extracted. Leaving the tooth is not a good idea because waiting will allow the infection to worsen and potentially spread to the gums and jawbone. Root canal treatment will save the tooth by treating and sealing the root canals.

Is root canal treatment painful? With modern technology and various anesthetic solutions, it is rare to have any pain during treatment. The procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. While you may have heard horror stories about root canal pain, root canal treatment actually relieves the pain caused by inflamed and infection tissues and nerves.

What can I expect from recovery? Your teeth may feel sensitive, but any discomfort should go away within 24-48 hours. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory should lesson any post-treatment discomfort you may experience. Depending on how damaged the tooth is, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to place a crown or other restoration to complete the treatment.

A root canal is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists and is a safe and effective alternative to extraction of an infected tooth.
If you need root canal treatment in Weymouth MA, contact our office today.