A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat an infected tooth. In fact, more than 40,000 are performed daily in the United States. If you’re facing a root canal, then you likely have concerns. Dr. Ada Gruita is a dentist in Mission Viejo who can provide the help you need. But for now, take a minute to learn more about root canals.
Is Sedation Necessary?
No, the procedure does not generally require sedation. Your dentist will use a local anesthesia to numb an area of your mouth. This is usually accomplished by injecting numbing medicine into your inner cheek or gum. You’re awake the entire time and the anesthesia does not cause drowsiness. But there are certain times when sedation may become necessary.
A patient with dental phobia may experience anxiety during the procedure. A patient may also have a mental disability that makes them unable to sit still for treatment. And it’s even possible that a patient might have a severe gag reflex that makes them unable to handle the procedure. In these extreme cases, it’s common for the patient to receive deep sedation to sleep during the entire process.
Does the Treatment Cause a Lot of Pain?
The procedure causes minimal discomfort when done correctly. If the numbing medication does its job, you won’t feel anything during the procedure. You will feel discomfort once the numbing medication wears off. But your dentist will prescribe medication to manage your discomfort during the recovery period. And if a serious complication develops, you should return to the dentist’s office immediately.
Does it Take Several Visits to Complete the Treatment?
In most cases, you’ll need one or two visits to the dentist’s office. But it all depends on the severity of your case. You may have issues that require several visits before your treatment is complete.
Are Root Canals Preferred Over Extractions?
Generally speaking, most dentists prefer to save a tooth if possible. You could choose to get the tooth pulled and leave the gap or get an implant. But if you extract a tooth and leave a gap, your remaining teeth will shift. This will affect your bite, smile, and appearance. An implant is a possible solution, but some patients are unable to get implants because of medical or monetary reasons. In short, it’s usually best to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
An infected tooth requires treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only cause pain and complications. Root canals are an often recommended way to treat teeth that are inflamed or infected.
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