I'm Nervous About My Upcoming Root Canal

If you suffer from a painful, infected tooth, you know the discomfort can be almost unbearable. And yet, many endure suffering out of fear their dentist will recommend a root canal. 

While root canals of long ago were painful and lengthy procedures, this is no longer true. Modern advances in dental procedures and oral health care have revolutionized root canals so they’re now very effective, quick, and virtually pain-free. 

Dr. Ana Chester and her talented team at Chester Family Dentistry in Warren, Ohio, provide state-of-the-art dental care using the latest advanced technology and procedures. For those who need a root canal, Dr. Chester offers some reassurances to help alleviate your nervousness. 

What happens during a root canal?

If Dr. Chester recommends a root canal, you’re likely suffering from inflammation and pain. We use root canals to eliminate your symptoms, prevent the spread of infection, and avoid tooth loss.

As your root canal procedure begins, we administer an anesthetic to numb your tooth nerves. We also install a small, temporary dental dam to keep saliva from touching your tooth during your procedure. Then, Dr. Chester drills a small hole to gain access to the infected pulp inside your tooth. 

Suction is used to remove the infected pulp and bacteria from inside your diseased tooth. The interior space of your tooth is cleaned, sanitized, and filled with a sterile material before Dr. Chester seals the opening in your tooth. 

You may also receive a dental crown to protect your tooth with the root canal. Your tooth has been weakened by removing the live inner material that became infected, and it might require extra protection. Dr. Chester advises you if this is needed, and whether it can be done during your appointment or if you need to return later to receive your crown. 

Root canals alleviate tooth pain

There’s no reason to avoid going to the dentist when you have a painful, infected tooth. Root canals don’t cause tooth pain, they alleviate the pain caused by infection and inflammation. This procedure also allows your dentist to save your natural tooth and restore your oral health. 

Root canals no longer require a long time in the dental chair, and they’re no longer painful. If you’re still nervous about a root canal procedure, Dr. Chester and our team help alleviate your fears with factual information and caring treatment. 

Schedule an appointment at Chester Family Dentistry today if you’re experiencing tooth pain and suspect you have an infection. We provide fast and pain-free root canals for our patients.