I'm Nervous About Getting a Root Canal

You might hear the words “root canal” and feel fearful. You may even think it’s a treatment that must be avoided at all costs. But the truth is that a root canal isn’t as bad as you think, and it actually relieves you of severe pain rather than causes pain. Being told you need a root canal might seem intimidating, but it’s the best procedure for repairing and saving an infected tooth. 

At Hometown Family Dental Centers, our compassionate staff prides itself on providing pain-free dental procedures. With three convenient locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina, we can help you wherever you are.  

What is a root canal?

To understand what a root canal is, it’s helpful to first understand the anatomy of your tooth. 

The hardest, top layer of your tooth is called the enamel. It’s like a protective shield that keeps bacteria from invading your tooth. The next layer is called dentin, another hard substance that protects your inner tooth.

Beyond the dentin is your hollow inner tooth, where the sensitive connective tissue, nerve endings, and blood vessels reside. This is called the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, the pain you experience can be severe.

A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp is infected, damaged, or inflamed. It’s the best treatment for remedying your pain and saving your tooth. A root canal involves removing all of the infection, down to the tooth root, and sealing the tooth to preserve it.

What dental problems can lead to a root canal?

There are a lot of reasons you might experience damaged and painful pulp inside a tooth, including:

• Deep decay
• Untreated cavities
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Facial injuries

You can usually avoid the need for a root canal by scheduling regular dental exams and dental cleanings. If you do need a root canal, there’s no reason you should be scared. Today’s root canals exist to rid you of pain and are far superior to old-fashioned dental procedures — now, they’re virtually pain-free.

What happens during a root canal?

Understanding a root canal procedure can ease some of your dental anxieties. A root canal treatment involves removing the bacteria and infected or painful pulp in the center of your tooth. 

Your dentist cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth after removing the damaged pulp. Then, the tooth is sealed up. Your dentist may suggest a dental crown to help strengthen the tooth and keep it strong and healthy. 

How much does a root canal hurt?

Thanks to modern, innovative dental methods, a root canal is no more painful than any routine dental procedure. You likely won’t feel anything at all during the root canal itself, except for that first pinch as the dentist injects numbing medication into your mouth before beginning the procedure. 

It’s common to feel discomfort for a few days after your root canal as your mouth heals. But recovering from this common procedure is far less painful than living with an infected tooth.

We understand if you’re nervous about getting a root canal, but if you have tooth pain, we can ease your nerves and your pain. We ensure that you always receive top-quality care when you need it most. Call Hometown Family Dental Centers or use this secure online form to request an appointment.