Are you scared of the dentist? You aren’t alone. About 10-15% of Americans have anxiety regarding the dreaded dentist’s chair (that’s about 35 million people)! Because of this widespread fear, many avoid their 6-month checkups until they develop unbearable amounts of pain.
If you fear the dentist, the terror only worsens when your dentist pops up after examining your mouth and delivers the five words of doom: “You need a root canal.” Panic strikes. How will you survive this?
Don’t worry, we have performed countless root canals in Hoover, and we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know!
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
It’s common belief that poor hygiene causes most dental problems, but that’s only one of the reasons you may have a root canal. As a tooth decays, bacteria can get inside its pulp and cause an infection, better known as an abscessed tooth. It’s possible for this infection to spread throughout your jaw, or even your entire body.
Poor hygiene is the number one way that bacteria attacks a tooth, but there are other, more subtle ways for germs to creep in. It isn’t rare to see old metal fillings leak over time, leaving extra space inside a tooth for bacteria to hide. Tooth fractures also provide easy access for bacteria. Teeth with old fillings or fractures can be harder to clean, and therefore have higher chances of bacteria leading to an abscessed tooth. The pain of an abscessed tooth can be unbearable, and if left untreated, life-threatening.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the answer to all your pain and sorrows. During a root canal, your dentist will drill a hole (or canal) into your infected tooth to gain access to the infection. The infected pulp inside your tooth will then be removed and the canal will be cleaned. Finally, your dentist will fill the canal with a rubber material called gutta percha, and seal it with either a filling or crown.
Will You Feel Pain?
You may be thinking, “This all sounds quite terrifying and painful!” Well, we have good news for you! Have you ever had a cavity filled before? It was painless, right? The same goes for root canals. They don’t hurt; they actually relieve pain. In fact, we think root canals get a bad reputation because people are confusing them with an abscessed tooth. Remember: root canals are the procedure – not the infection.
Root Canals in Hoover
No need to fear – your local dentist is here! Are you experiencing pain in your teeth? Is it worse when you drink cold or hot drinks? You may have an abscessed tooth. Set up an appointment with Barganier & Lecroy DMD for a root canal in Hoover today!