by Andrea L. Algar
"Root Canal" is a term that most people are terrified of, but it is a very misunderstood term. Most people use to describe a dental procedure, but many do not know that it is actually a part of the tooth. The actual term of the dental treatment procedure is called "root canal therapy" or "endodontic treatment".
So what is the procedure and why do you need it? Quite simply, root canal therapy is a dental treatment method designed to help save your tooth. When your root canal becomes infected, it is often necessary to perform root canal therapy or endodontic treatment to avoid further damage to the root canal. If the root canal becomes severely damaged, you may need to have the tooth extracted.
The term "root canal" does not usually spark quite the same fear that it once did decades ago. Thanks to modern dental equipment and techniques, patients are far more comfortable with procedures like root canals. However, for those who still cringe at the words, consider some of the myths about root canal:
MYTH FACT
Root canal therapy is painful In fact, root canal treatment alleviates pain
Root canals causes tooth loss Without treatment you can experience tooth loss.
Treatment is designed to help save your teeth
Tooth extraction is better Saving your natural teeth is always the best option
They can cause infection Root canal treatment eliminates infection
Root canal "kills" the tooth Root canal treatment disinfects the tooth
It cause nerve damage Treatment is designed to eliminate nerve pain
Treatments take hours Most root canal treatments are done in 1-2 hours
Many don't work Root canal treatments have success rates of 85%
Know the symptoms of an infected root canal. What are the signs you should look for?
Have questions about root canals in San Antonio, Texas? Contact Dr. Gregory Bowen's office.
"Root Canal" is a term that most people are terrified of, but it is a very misunderstood term. Most people use to describe a dental procedure, but many do not know that it is actually a part of the tooth. The actual term of the dental treatment procedure is called "root canal therapy" or "endodontic treatment".
The term "root canal" does not usually spark quite the same fear that it once did decades ago. Thanks to modern dental equipment and techniques, patients are far more comfortable with procedures like root canals. However, for those who still cringe at the words, consider some of the myths about root canal:
MYTH FACT
Root canal therapy is painful In fact, root canal treatment alleviates pain
Root canals causes tooth loss Without treatment you can experience tooth loss.
Treatment is designed to help save your teeth
Tooth extraction is better Saving your natural teeth is always the best option
They can cause infection Root canal treatment eliminates infection
Root canal "kills" the tooth Root canal treatment disinfects the tooth
It cause nerve damage Treatment is designed to eliminate nerve pain
Treatments take hours Most root canal treatments are done in 1-2 hours
Many don't work Root canal treatments have success rates of 85%
Know the symptoms of an infected root canal. What are the signs you should look for?
- Severe pain when chewing or when pressure is put on tooth
- Swelling and tenderness of gums near affected tooth
- Sensitivity to hot/cold, even after source has been removed (i.e. cold drink, etc)
- Continual ache or throbbing sensation
- Darkening of the tooth
- Presence of pimple on gums
- No symptoms! For some, detection is made by dentist upon exam
Have questions about root canals in San Antonio, Texas? Contact Dr. Gregory Bowen's office.
No comments:
Post a Comment