If the phrase “root canal” makes you anxious, you are not the only one. Longmeadow, MA dentists Dr.Evans and Dr. Ziemba know the negative connotation that root canals have acquired over the years. Often thought of as a painful and lengthy dental procedure, root canals have gotten a bad reputation. Take our Pioneer Valley Dental Arts Fact or Fiction quiz to get the facts on root canals. You may be surprised at what you may learn about the root canal procedure.
Fact or Fiction: Root Canals
1. Fact or Fiction: The root canal procedure will cause me a lot of pain.
Answer: FICTION. The root canal dental treatment is essentially painless and will actually relieve you of pain associated with your tooth infection. Dr. Evans and Dr. Ziemba will use local anesthetic or sedation dentistry to ease your anxiety and reduce any discomfort. Most patients report the root canal procedure to be no more uncomfortable than a dental filling. What causes the associated pain is the actual infection inside of your tooth. Root canals clean out the inflamed and infected pulp inside of your tooth. Once the infection is clear, most patients experience immediate pain reduction.
2. Fact or Fiction: Proper preventative dental care may help to deter the need for root canals.
Answer: FACT. Preventative dental care is a combination of at home oral hygiene and regular visits to Pioneer Valley Dental Arts. Dr. Evans and Dr. Ziemba recommended visiting our Longmeadow dentist office at least twice a year for a professional dental cleaning and thorough oral health exam. In addition, twice daily brushing and flossing is essential in maintaining your optimal oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly also allows for early detection of tooth decay. Finding developing cavities early can prevent the need for advanced restorative dentistry.
3. Fact or Fiction: If I ignore my tooth infection, it will go away.
Answer: FICTION. Infections of the tooth pulp will not heal itself. If you experience sudden sharp pains, tooth sensitivity, or tooth discoloration, it is important to see Dr. Ziemba or Dr. Evans as soon as possible. It is always recommended to save your natural teeth and our dental team will do their best to offer you the most conservative treatment possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential so that Drs. Ziemba and Evans can save your natural tooth. If you do not seek help for an infected tooth, you may need to have your tooth extracted. Our Longmeadow dentist office offers a whole range of restorative dental treatments for missing teeth. If you notice a strange smell or taste to your mouth, or sudden pain be sure to schedule a visit to see restorative dentists Dr. Ziemba or Dr. Evans.