1.         Root canal, also known as endodontics, is often viewed in a negative light because many people have anxiety about the procedure, but it is a way to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed.

2.         Several different things can make a root canal necessary, including a major cavity that can spread into the nerve of the tooth if left untreated, a trauma serious enough that it causes the nerve to be exposed, or damage to the nerve caused by a deep crack in the tooth.

3.         If a tooth is infected and a root canal is not done to save it, “the pulp infection can lead to abscess, destruction of bone, and spread of the infection via the bloodstream.”

4.         During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed and replaced.  “The pulp is soft tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.”  It is removed and replaced because “If pulp becomes damaged through injury or disease and cannot repair itself, bacteria and their products can leak into the pulp and cause the pulp to die.”

5.         A root canal requires more than one visit.  At Moore Family Dental, we are committed to making you feel comfortable at all times, including during a root canal.  Good communication is necessary; we’ll make you aware of what’s going on and we request that you provide us with feedback about how you’re feeling and what you need.

6.         The first visit for a root canal involves making an opening “through the crown of the tooth” to allow removal of the pulp and cleaning and shaping of the root.  This stage of the process may also involve medication for “the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria.”  A temporary crown is placed there and you may go home with a prescription for antibiotics.

7.         During the next step, the “pulp chamber and root canal(s) are filled and sealed.”  Finally, you’ll have a crown placed there so the tooth will return to its normal appearance and function.

8.         Don’t take your fully-functioning tooth for granted.  It is important, even essential, to visit the dentist regularly to monitor your overall dental health, including the tooth where you had the root canal.

9.         Listen to music if you’re feeling anxious about having a root canal. “In a new study, 143 people listened to music while they received a painful shock in their fingertip. Participants were asked to follow the melodies, and identify unusual tones in an effort to take their mind off the pain.  It seemed to do the trick. Participants’ pain decreased as they became more and more absorbed in the tunes. Those who were the most anxious reaped the most pain-relieving benefits when they became engaged in the music.

10.       At Moore Family Dental, we take your dental health very seriously.  We also take your questions and concerns very seriously.  If you have any additional questions about root canals or any other procedures or problems, we hope you will let us know.