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5 Things You Should Know Before Having A Root Canal

If you have an upcoming root canal therapy procedure at SouthEnd Dentistry, our team wants to keep you informed about the process to help relieve any stress you may be feeling. Root canals are a routine procedure, and you have nothing to worry about with Dr. Picot of SouthEnd Dentistry. He has performed hundreds of these endodontic procedures with great results. Here are 5 things you should know before you undergo root canal therapy:

With Local Anesthetic, Root Canals Aren’t Painful

A root canal is only about as invasive as having a filling placed. Damaged enamel is removed with a drill, and then a very small opening is made. The interior of the tooth is cleaned, then disinfected, filled and sealed. During the entire process, your tooth and the surrounding tissue will be numbed. You won’t feel a single bit of pain or discomfort, and the procedure usually takes less than 90 minutes.

Sedation Dentistry is an Option

At SouthEnd Dentistry, we offer sedation for all of our patients to make your visit and your treatment more enjoyable. Whether you’d prefer laughing gas, or more deep sedation using an oral sedative, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you’re totally comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

A Root Canal Is the Best Way to Save An Infected Tooth

If you wait too long to take care of an infected tooth, extraction may become necessary. Tooth extraction is much more invasive and uncomfortable than a root canal, and the cost of restorations like a partial denture, dental bridge, or dental implants is much higher than the cost of a root canal. In almost every case, it’s best to attempt a root canal before extraction, to try and preserve the natural tooth and avoid removal.

Recovering From A Root Canal Doesn’t Take Long

You should be back to your day-to-day activities within 24 hours. For a few days, you should avoid putting too much pressure on your treated tooth, but any pain or discomfort should disappear within about 3 days. If pain persists after this, contact us for a follow-up, to make sure there are no complications.

You’ll Need To Schedule A Follow-Up Appointment

Usually, your root canal procedure will be finished with a temporary filling or crown. Our dentist will have a permanent crown manufactured to fit perfectly in your mouth, and once it arrives you can come back to our office to have it permanently placed.   

Know What To Expect – And Get Treated Without Fear!

Now that you know the truth about root canals and how they work, we hope you feel a bit more comfortable about your upcoming procedure. Think you need a root canal? Come to SouthEnd Dentistry to discuss your needs with an expert. Our dentist can examine your mouth and determine if a root canal is necessary, and provide you with caring, informative treatment. You can trust us to take great care of you. Contact us at (704) 335-8266 for an appointment, or come by our office at 1520 South Blvd, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28203.

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