By Arthur Kezian

Often times hearing the word “root canal” makes patients hold on to the edge of their seats. Root canals are not as dreadful as the public supposes they are. People have instilled in their minds that a root canal is way too painful and that they should disregard the idea of getting one. Yes, we should try to take care of our teeth as much as possible, but if a root canal is what will save your tooth, then so be it.

It is normal that you may be a bit worried and concerned especially if you undergo root canal treatment for the very first time. However, here’s a little piece of advice for you – DO NOT WORRY!

Modern dentistry and advanced technology has teamed up together to bring even the most terrified of patients to an office to get a root canal done. If you are one of those terrified patients, fear no more.

Here are five things to know about root canal therapy:

1.   A Root canal treatment is now faster.

This is one primary reason why patients have to endure fear from this treatment. They are not accustomed to the amount of time the treatment takes. The agony of multiple visits and hours of sitting on a dental chair can now be done much faster. Before, it took more than 3 visits requiring long hours of chair time, but because of the advancement of dental tools and technology, plus the outstanding educational training from dentists, patients do not have to fear the length of treatment. Be it a molar or your front teeth, this wouldn’t be time consuming anymore just as long as the patient cooperates. It also matters how fast the dentist works during the treatment.

2.     Pain from root canals shouldn’t be anticipated anymore.

The only pain that patients may feel in most cases is the prick from the anesthesia. It is remotely a small and light sensation. After the anesthesia is delivered, there is no more pain at all. The needles being used today have small gauges, and the anesthetic solution will easily numb you up in a span of 10-15 minutes. Some patients conclude that they don’t feel a thing and some even fall asleep while undergoing the treatment!

3.    Your mouth has to stay clean before, during, and after the treatment.

When you start the treatment, you may be asked to rinse your mouth with mouthwash and the procedure will start. The dentist will place a rubber dam on the tooth which is undergoing root canal. A “rubber mask”, or to some dentists, a “raincoat” will be clamped onto the tooth because it acts as a protective material which will keep the tooth clean and dry. The tooth needs to be isolated from bacteria and debris from saliva. This would also protect the patient from swallowing any medicament or dressing, for example bleach, which is used to clean and disinfect the canal.

4.    Tell your dentist if you have any underlying medical condition or if you are taking any medication.

You should always remember that all dental treatments are significant. It is important to tell your dentist upfront if you are medically compromised or if you are under any medication because sometimes the medication that you are presently taking might interfere with the treatment. For example, if you are taking aspirin or any type of anticoagulant medicine, it can interfere with the bleeding time, which could lead to prolonged bleeding and even potential swelling.

5.    Post Operative Care:

Sometimes your dentist will tell you that you may feel a bit of pain after the root canal treatment. A little tenderness and moderate pain is expected, but in some cases it may be a little more severe. This usually subsides after a few hours, and a couple of days in some cases. Then your dentist will either prescribe you a pain reliever or antibiotics for those severe cases, it usually depends on the scenario. Rinsing with warm water and salt can be helpful. Keeping your mouth as clean as possible and using mouthwash will be great help.

See how a root canal treatment shouldn’t be a threat to you anymore? If you are still agitated and still fear this treatment, find a dental office that specializes in root canal dentistry and have a consultation about this treatment. They have been doing this for a long time and on a daily basis. Call our office and Dr. Arthur Kezian and his staff will gladly attend to your concerns.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777