Root Canals

People have understood the need for root canal treatment since ancient times. It is believed that worms were used to eat the inside of an infected tooth. The current method began developing over a century ago, although the technique was crude and the process was painful. In modern times, the treatment is gentle and effective, yet many people fear root canals.

When we diagnose a tooth as needing a root canal, most patients first response is, “I’ve heard those hurt.” You may have friends, family members, or neighbors who have told you how painful the procedure is. Some of these people may just be looking for sympathy, but many of them do associate pain and root canals. They remember the tooth hurting. What they don’t remember is that the root canal stopped (not started) the pain.

In reality, your tooth is completely numb during a root canal, and the procedure is very comfortable. Some teeth are difficult to get numb, but today we have effective ways of accomplishing that. It is a very straightforward procedure, and there is no reason for it to hurt.

Today we use advanced techniques, resulting in a faster, more comfortable root canal procedure. We have a success rate of 95% to 98%. The other concern many patients have is financial. It is true that having a root canal and fixing the tooth will cost more money than an extraction. However, many people do not consider the cost of health and convenience. If you lose a tooth you can’t chew with it anymore, and that is very expensive.

A root canal is a very effective way to save a tooth. However, an even better solution is to get help before the problem progresses to this stage. Most people don’t need a root canal when a cavity first develops. They postpone treatment until they experience significant pain or extensive decay, and then the tooth does need a root canal. About 80% of the root canals we do could be avoided with early treatment.

If you have a cavity or a painful tooth, visit East Wichita Dentist as soon as possible. Call (316) 215-7152, or use our online form to schedule your appointment.

Video Transcript

Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.