When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal and you are terrified, you don't have to be. You will be surprised to learn that even though you will feel some pain, the pain will not be as bad as you think. Your dentist has great medicine and modern equipment at their disposal to make this procedure as painless as they can. Below is some information about root canals that should help make you feel better.
Root Canal
If you have a tooth that has a cavity and do not have it treated, the infection generally travels down into the roots, which will then become infected. When this happens, the dentist will need to do a root canal. By this time, you are likely feeling excruciating pain because the nerves are exposed, and the longer you wait the more pain you will feel.
Root Canal Procedure
Before your dentist starts the root canal procedure, they will give you a local anesthetic on the problem tooth. The dentist will place a dam, which is a rubber sheet, around your tooth. This will prevent it from drying out during the procedure. The dentist will then use a drill to put a small hole on the flat part of the tooth so they can have access to the pulp. They will remove any infected pulp, debris, and nerve tissue they see. The canals and pulp chamber are then cleaned and disinfected. To prevent any infection that remains, the dentist will use a temporary tooth and prescribe antibiotics to take for a certain amount of time.
After this time, you will go back to the dentist, the temporary tooth will be removed, and the root canal filling inserted. This seals the tooth and prevents it from becoming infected again.
Crown
Your dentist may want to put a crown over the tooth to prevent the tooth from breaking. Also, much of the tooth was ground away and you will look best if a crown is put over the tooth. There are different types of crowns, including stainless steel, porcelain, resin, and ceramic. Your dentist will choose what is best for you.
The dentist will fit the crown so it covers the tooth, and use a glue or bonding cement to hold it in place. In some cases, putting on a crown requires two visits, but you will not feel any pain or need any type of numbing or sedation.
Talk to a local dentist (such as David Jackson, DDS) if you have any other questions about a root canal. Knowing what to expect can help ease your fears.
Share29 March 2016
