You Don’t Have to Fear Your Upcoming Root Canal

If you had to name one dental procedure that scares people, what would it be? We’re guessing that “root canal” is the answer for quite a few people. Modern dentistry has changed how root canals are performed, and it’s no longer a procedure to be feared. 

Dr. Stephen Hiroshige and the staff in our Gardena, California, dental practice understand that many people feel anxious about the idea of a dental visit at all, nevermind having a procedure with a notorious reputation like a root canal. We go out of our way to help you feel calm and relaxed when you visit our office. 

If you need a root canal, this post is for you. We explain the procedure, as well as what to expect afterward. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks when it comes to having a root canal! 

Saving your tooth

The biggest benefit of having a root canal is that it’s likely to save your tooth. Dr. Hiroshige suggests a root canal when there’s an infection around your tooth’s roots. If the infection is left to spread and do damage, the end result is likely to be the loss of your natural tooth. 

We offer some good tooth replacement options, such as a dental implant and bridges, and in some cases, dentures. However, keeping your natural tooth is your best option. 

Your tooth’s roots stimulate blood flow to your jawbone each time you bite down, and that blood flow keeps your jaw healthy. When a tooth is removed, you lose the natural stimulation, and eventually, you may experience bone loss. 

Even if you get a dental implant, which mimics your tooth’s roots, you lose the feeling of a natural tooth. 

Focusing on the beneficial outcome probably isn’t enough to help you feel calm about a root canal, though, so let’s consider the marvels of modern dentistry that make the procedure faster and less painful than it once was. 

The process

If Dr. Hiroshige suspects you need a root canal, he’ll first confirm the situation with X-rays. Modern X-rays are faster and use far less radiation than they once did, so even before the procedure begins, you benefit from technological advances. 

If you do need a root canal, the next step is to get anesthetic so that you’re comfortable during the procedure. We administer the numbing agent and then use a device called a dental dam to isolate your tooth and keep the area clean. 

Next, Dr. Hiroshige makes a small opening in your tooth. This tiny opening allows him to clean away all the infection and damaged tissue from inside your tooth. He removes the pulp inside your tooth and cleans the area around your tooth roots. 

Once the whole area is clean, Dr. Hiroshige fills it with a special material called gutta percha, which is a bit like rubber but is biocompatible. Next, he places a temporary filling in the small opening to temporarily protect your tooth. 

The whole procedure is not terribly different from getting a filling as far as what you feel, and it doesn’t take much longer than a filling. 

During a subsequent visit, you receive a crown to permanently protect your tooth. 

After a root canal

It always feels a bit odd as anesthetic wears off. You may want to wait to eat until you have full sensation again. 

Most people don’t need pain medication following a root canal. If you have discomfort you may want to take over-the-counter pain relievers. If those are medically prohibited for you, discuss your options with Dr. Hiroshige prior to your procedure. 

The area may be a bit tender for a day or so, but the vast majority of people feel much better following a root canal, because the infection is gone along with the inflammation and pain it causes. 

If you have questions about getting a root canal, or you need to schedule one, make an appointment. Dr. Hiroshige and our staff are always happy to answer your questions, and we strive to make every visit as comfortable for you as it can be.