So, you’ve been told the dreaded news: you need a root canal to recover your tooth after severe decay. It is a normal reaction for patients to worry about surgical treatments. At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we are here to make this process easier for you. We know that any kind of invasive procedure can cause anxiety and fear. To help ease your worries, today’s blog is here to explain what to expect from this therapy.
Restoring Your Tooth After A Severe Cavity
If you have tooth decay, it can usually be treated with a filling. This is a minimally invasive treatment where the cavity is removed, and a biocompatible material is added to the hole. Then the area is sealed to protect against future decay. However, if you have put this off for too long, the carie can spread into the pulp of the tooth. You may begin to experience side effects of inflammation and pain even without chewing. When it reaches this deep, a simple filling cannot recover the damage.
Essentially, root canal treatment involves removing the damaged part of the pulp, filling and sealing the area, and placing a crown on top. You will be sedated during this procedure for your comfort. It is common for many patients to feel nearly immediate relief once the infected part of the pulp is removed.
Why People Fear Root Canals
Media and television have a history of presenting root canal therapy as painful. In actuality, the pain that is associated with this procedure comes from the discomfort of having an abscess. Many patients find the treatment to bring relief from the ache that comes from a cavity.
Dental anxiety is also common in people who may have had a bad experience in the past. We understand this and are here to make all of your visits as comfortable as we can. From very basic cleanings and checkups to restorative treatments, our staff is here to improve your dental experiences.
Avoiding This Necessary Procedure
If you ignore a cariosity for too long, more severe damage will be done. In many cases, a deeply decayed tooth can cause you a lot of pain. It will be difficult to chew and use your mouth comfortably. One of the only alternatives to a root canal is full extraction. Typically, after a removal is healed, we can place a prosthetic to fill in the gaps. However, a cavity can damage the strength of your supporting bones and teeth, so a prosthetic may not be available for you.
Book Your Root Canal Today!
Do not wait until it is too late. To find out if you need root canal therapy, or to schedule an appointment, call the Sunny Smiles office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in East and Northeast El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.