Calming Your Fears About Root Canal Therapy

Have you ever wondered how root canals got such a scary reputation?

When people think of the words “root canal,” they automatically equate it with pain. In reality, the association with pain comes from an infection in the tooth, not the root canal treatment itself. The root canal procedure is actually painless, and it’s prescribed to eliminate the patient’s tooth pain that comes from the infection.

Though the analogy isn’t exactly parallel, it’s similar to the relationship between a broken bone and a cast: It’s the broken bone that causes the pain; the cast simply helps to repair the broken bone.

But first things first: We want to assure you that with modern techniques in anesthetics, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that involves little to no discomfort, and it only requires one visit. A subsequent visit will be needed to restore the tooth, usually with a permanent crown.

Here’s how it works: We X-ray the tooth in question. Next we administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. Once the tooth is numb, a protective sheet called a dental dam is usually used to isolate the tooth in order to keep it clean and free from saliva.

Next we will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Small instruments are used to remove any decay and infection from within the pulp chamber and root canals. This clears and shapes the space for the filling.

Then we fill the root canals with a biocompatible material that is secured with an adhesive cement to seal off the root canals of the tooth. At this point, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening of tooth. The temporary filling is later removed once the crown is placed on the tooth to restore it to its full function once again.

If you ever need root canal therapy, please don’t be afraid. We understand that some dental procedures may seem scary, but Dr. Silberman and his compassionate team here at The Silberman Dental Group will take good care of you and your family.