There’s No Reason to Be Afraid of Getting a Root Canal in Midwest City
April 26, 2018
Root canal therapy is famous — no, infamous — as the dental treatment that people fear above all others. It’s the boogeyman of the tooth care world, striking dread into the hearts of young and old alike. But is there really any reason why you should be afraid of this treatment? In fact, a root canal in Midwest City can be a very good thing. Let’s talk about why you might need one and what you can expect during your procedure.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
The root canal is the part of the tooth where its nerve resides. When decay or damage reaches the tooth’s pulp and begins to irritate that nerve, you could end up with a major toothache in Midwest City. Root canal therapy aims to relieve your agony, save your tooth from extraction, and get your oral health back on track. Here is a basic overview of how the process works:
- Your dentist in Midwest City numbs the area around the tooth — you shouldn’t feel a thing during the procedure.
- Using special tools, the dentist drills a tiny hole in the tooth and remove the damaged or infected area. They also remove the nerve that is sending pain signals to your brain.
- A special material is used to fill in the tooth to strengthen it. In most cases, a crown is also necessary to protect the treated tooth.
Root canal therapy usually takes place over the course of two or more visits to your dentist’s office. You should be comfortable throughout the process. When all is said and done, you’ll feel better and your smile will thank you for getting the treatment!
Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Here are a few signs that you might need root canal therapy:
- You’ve suffered a trauma to your mouth that severely damaged one of your teeth.
- One of your teeth is significantly darker than the ones around it.
- You have extreme sensitivity in one of your teeth.
- You have a pimple-like sore on your gums.
- You’re experiencing symptoms of an infection, such as fever, nausea, and fatigue.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should get to your dentist as soon as possible. You don’t want to give the damage or decay a chance to spread. If you delay, you may experience significant pain. An infection could even end up getting into your blood and affecting other parts of your body.
Wouldn’t an Extraction be Simpler?
Because a root canal is a delicate process that often costs more than an extraction, some people prefer to have their tooth pulled. This is a bad idea because even one missing tooth can cause significant oral health problems. Your remaining teeth may drift out of place, and you may become more vulnerable to gum disease. Moreover, tooth replacement is often pricier than a root canal.
Please don’t be afraid of root canal therapy — this treatment can relieve your pain and save your smile!
About the Dentist
Dr. Steven Kendrick is your local root canal expert, and he understands that severely damaged or infected teeth need prompt treatment. That’s why he is always willing to accept emergency patients. If one of your teeth is in pain, please contact us at 405-732-0431.