Overview: In the past when you tell your friends that you need to get a root canal, everyone is taken aback and are worried for you. There is a sombre mood over what is actually a common procedure performed by dentists. Read this blog to find out why there is no need to fear the root canal.
The term “Root Canal” has conjured up images of a painful dental procedure, but with advancements in dental technology, the root canal is now performed in one comfortable visit to your dentist. A root canal is needed when your tooth becomes so badly decayed, that the pulp of that tooth gets infected. The pulp is the soft area within the centre of the tooth and consists of blood vessels and nerves. If this infection goes untreated, you will most likely lose the tooth and other dental problems can develop like damage to the bone around the infected area.
You’ve been given the news from Dr. Popp that you require a root canal. Not to fear, it’s not the end of the world - in fact at the Marlborough Dental Centre it’s going to be a walk in the park. Whilst in the cozy dentist chair, Dr. Popp numbs the area with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Dr. Popp will then drill out the hollow centre of the decayed tooth and remove the infected pulp. Now the tooth is similar to an empty shell and is fragile. To both stabilize and prevent future infections, the hollow space is filled with a cement and plastic mixture. Sometimes a crown will be placed over the tooth that underwent a root canal, to further prevent any chance of future infections. Even though the procedure is like a walk in the park, you don’t want to repeat a root canal on the same tooth!
Most root canals are performed in a single visit and over the counter pain medication will relieve any discomfort you have in the following days post-procedure. The best preventative measure to avoid a root canal in the first place is to practice great oral health by brushing twice a day, flossing and having regular checkups. Routine checkups catches tooth decay far enough in advance that it reduces the chances of an infection breaching the pulp of the tooth.
The Bottom Line: It’s okay to be nervous about the Calgary Flames not making the playoffs, but there is no longer any reason to worry about having a Root Canal. With advancements in dental technology, the procedure is not only safe; it is performed with minimal discomfort. Dr. Popp does advocate for routine checkups along with routine daily oral care, but from time to time dental problems like decay in the pulp can develop. In that case, it’s time to visit Marlborough Dental Centre, where Dr. Popp will complete a root canal on your decayed tooth.
If you require a Root Canal or any dental procedure, contact Dr. Michael Popp at the Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary today on (403) 248-2066.
