Novato, CA General Dentist Reveals the Stress Free Root Canal

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jul 28, 2014

The very thought of Root Canal Therapy can cause stress and anxiety, resulting in the patient putting off treatment until it becomes a significant problem. But fear and anxiety can quickly become a thing of the past when you understand that today’s dentistry sedation options can make the entire process of root canal therapy pain and stress-free.

Why do I need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is required when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function. Root canal treatment performed by Novato, CA General Dentist is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime.

Why not extract the tooth?
Many patients believe that removing the tooth is the solution due to their fear of root canal therapy, but you must realize that tooth extraction is ultimately more costly, causing significant problems for adjacent teeth.

How do I know if I need a root canal?
The only person who can determine if you need a root canal is a dental professional, but some warning signs are:
  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

Once you experience any of the above symptoms, you must get to your dentist immediately. Procrastinating often creates a more painful situation than is necessary. Often there are no outward symptoms, so regular checkups and examinations will ensure that root canal therapy, if needed, is done promptly.

The more quickly the root canal is addressed, the more options you have for sedation and an anxiety and pain-free procedure. The Novato, CA Dentist is available to consult with you regarding details of the procedure. Our entire dental team is committed to providing a stress-free environment so that you will feel completely comfortable throughout the course of your treatment.