Root canal treatment is sometimes necessary when cavities grow too large to be remedied with simple dental fillings. Root canal treatment can also help people who suffer from abscessed teeth. These facts can set patients' minds at ease when they are scheduling their root canal treatments:

1. Root canals are safe

Some people worry that root canals are unsafe or that they might compromise the integrity of their jaw. However, you can rest assured that root canal treatment is a perfectly safe and routine procedure. Dentists who perform root canal therapy use special tools to work on the delicate area inside your root canals. Imaging technology is used to ensure that dentists are able to identify and remove all the decay hiding in your affected tooth.

2. Root canals are painless

Root canals are often feared, but there is no need to worry because root canal treatment is painless. Before your dentist exposes your root canals, they will first numb your tooth and the surrounding area using lidocaine injections. Once the local anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist will test your sensitivity using a cold piece of cotton. If some sensitivity remains, more lidocaine will be administered until you are adequately numbed. This careful process ensures that you will experience no pain during your root canal treatment.

3. Root canals can save decayed and abscessed teeth

Root canals are usually a better option than dental extractions. Unlike dental extractions, which completely remove a tooth, roots and all, root canal treatment allows dentists to preserve teeth. By cleaning out your root canals and filling them with inert material, dentists can help you keep your natural teeth. This can allow you to avoid additional procedures, such as dental bridge applications and dental implants. Root canal therapy can clean away infections in your gums and jaw, which can help you keep your bones and oral tissue safe.

4. Root canals can be performed by specialists

Root canals can be performed by a variety of dental care practitioners. Simple root canals can be performed by your general dentist. However, if you need a more complex root canal treatment, you can obtain a referral to an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy. An endodontist can complete your root canal treatment and fit your tooth with a temporary dental crown. After your permanent dental crown has been created, you can then return to your general dentist to have it installed.

Make an appointment with a dental clinic, such as Laveen Smiles, if you need a root canal treatment.