If you’re nervous about an upcoming root canal, you certainly aren’t alone. Lots of people have dental fears and phobias, especially when it comes to restorative dentistry procedures like root canals and tooth extractions. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists have years of training and experience in endodontics, and we’re here to make your root canal as painless and stress-free as possible. To ease your mind in the weeks leading up to your root canal procedure, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about root canals.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?
Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, next to wisdom tooth removals. Lots of people are afraid of root canals because they aren’t sure what to expect, and their nerves get the best of them when their mind wanders to the worst possible scenario. In reality, root canals involve your dentist numbing the area and drilling a small hole in the infected tooth, then removing the pulp. Once the bacteria is removed, your dentist will insert a rubbery replacement, which will support the tooth and help to prevent bacteria from finding its way back in. Finally, they’ll cap the tooth with a temporary dental crown to protect it from becoming weak and brittle, then they’ll switch it out for a permanent crown at a second dental appointment.
HOW LONG DO ROOT CANALS TAKE?
Contrary to what you might think, root canals are a straightforward procedure that usually don’t take very long. Depending on the procedure and the number of root canals you’re having done, you’ll only be at our dental clinic for an hour or two at the most. Our goal is to get you in and out as quickly as possible so you can get back to your normal routine.
ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?
As family dentists, we get this question all the time. One of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it’s excruciating, when in reality, root canal treatments are no more uncomfortable than a cavity filling. At Trillium Dental, we use local anesthesia to numb the area first, so patients don’t feel much during the treatment. However, they may experience some discomfort the day or two after their root canal procedure. If you experience any pain, our dentists recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen as needed.
HOW MUCH DO ROOT CANALS COST?
When it comes to dental treatments and procedures, the cost depends on your dental insurance coverage. In most cases, it’s far cheaper to save a damaged or decaying tooth than it is to extract it and replace it with a dental implant or denture restoration. If you have questions about the cost of root canals, feel free to reach out to our team at Trillium Dental for a cost estimate. We’d be happy to help you determine your coverage and form a treatment plan.
WILL I LOSE MY TOOTH?
Root canals are performed when a tooth is damaged or infected, but still has potential. Our dentists firmly believe that if a tooth can be saved, it should be. If we determine that your tooth is not fully decayed and will respond well to root canal treatment, we will perform a root canal to protect and preserve the tooth. However, if your tooth is too damaged to be saved, we’d be happy to discuss other restorative dentistry procedures with you instead, such as dental implants, dental bridges, and full and partial dentures.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
There are many signs and symptoms that your tooth has become infected, and some are more noticeable than others. Some of the most common signs are toothaches and pain when chewing, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may also start to notice tooth discoloration in the infected area, in addition to swollen gums that are tender to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your local dental office right away to schedule a checkup.
CHOOSE OUR OTTAWA DENTAL CLINIC FOR YOUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canals don’t have to be painful or scary — in fact, they are meant to relieve pain. Our dentists have performed dozens of root canals and are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment in Downtown Ottawa, Alta Vista, Orléans, Stittsville, Kanata, or the Westgate or Bayshore Mall. We look forward to providing the quality dental care you deserve!