When someone is told they need a root canal treatment, their first thought is usually pain. But, a root canal treatment’s main job is to eliminate your pain! Although the phrase may send shivers down your spine, it is a necessary and helpful procedure used all the time to make patients feel better. Keep reading to learn how root canal therapy in Downtown Boston helps you rather than hurts you.
What is a Root Canal and Why Do I Need One?
Root canal therapy is usually a straightforward procedure that relieves dental pain and saves your tooth from extraction. You will typically need a root canal if you have an infection or inflammation in the roots of your tooth. During the treatment, your dentist will carefully remove the pulp inside your tooth to clean, disinfect, and shape the root canals, and then they’ll use fillings to seal the space.
You may also need this treatment if you have a dental injury where the inside of your tooth is damaged. If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, contact your emergency dentist immediately.
Are Root Canals Painful?
As stated above, root canals are meant to alleviate pain, not cause you more discomfort. The procedure itself is relatively painless because your dentist will use local anesthetic to numb your tooth and its surrounding area. If you are anxious or have dental fear, they can provide calming sedation like nitrous oxide.
I’m Not in Pain, Do I Still Need a Root Canal?
Even if you’re not feeling any pain, your dentist has ways like X-rays to see if the inside of your tooth is infected or damaged. If they see that the interior of your tooth is injured, you should still get a root canal even if it doesn’t hurt because your surrounding tissue can get infected as well.
If I Need A Root Canal, Will They Be Removing My Tooth?
The whole point of root canal therapy is to save your smile! Your tooth and its roots will not be removed. Your Downtown Boston dentist will clean out nerve tissue and pulp from the inside of your tooth to make sure there’s no bacteria left, saving you from extraction.
If your dentist recommends root canal therapy, don’t panic! This is a necessary treatment that will actually save you time and money down the road. This procedure has only gotten easier for patients over time. Although root canal treatment isn’t a cause for celebration, it is a great way to keep your natural teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
About the Practice
There are 5 dentists on staff at Devonshire Dental Associates who each bring their own specialties to the table. So, whatever type of treatment you need, they’ll be able to help you in the best way possible. Dr. Christine Melito has her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Endodontics, which means she is an expert in the study and treatment of dental pulp. So, if you need root canal therapy, you’ll be in good hands. Our dentists can be contacted through our website or by phone at (617) 350-7474 for any questions.