Getting a root canal done isn’t the same procedure it used to be in the past. People often cringe when they hear about root canals—their reputation for being painful has preceded them! However, it’s important to remember that root canals take away pain, not cause it. Modern technology has made the root canal procedure more efficient and less painful than ever. Here’s what’s changed about root canal therapy and why it isn’t what it used to be!
Instruments Have Improved
The instruments used to conduct your root canal are different than in the past. They’re thinner, more flexible, and more precise. They allow the procedure to be completed quickly and efficiently in one visit, unlike the several visits it took in the past. These advanced tools make cleaning out the infected tooth pulp easier, therefore maximizing your comfort during the procedure.
Digital X-Rays Make Life Easier
Digital x-rays allow your dentist to see if a root canal is needed, but they also help you receive a faster diagnosis with less radiation exposure. These digital images also enable your dentist or endodontist—a dentist who specializes in saving teeth—to see if your tooth’s root has been totally cleaned out after the process. As a result, getting a root canal these days is much like getting a deep cavity filled!
Anesthesia Is Better
As our methods of anesthesia have improved, your dentist is able to keep you totally comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Local anesthesia is all that’s needed, and many patients only need an over-the- counter pain reliever afterwards rather than heavy sedation with narcotic pain medication. If you’d like to be sedated, you can talk to your endodontist about accommodating your needs.
Materials Are Refined
The materials used during root canal therapy have also been enhanced, from the rinse used to clean out your tooth to the filling used to seal the canal. This leads to more successful procedures among patients and a longer life for your toot canal. Crown technology has also been improved, resulting in a better fit for your unique smile after your tooth has been sealed!
People Engage in Preventative Care
These days, people are aware of the role they play in their own oral care. Home health care techniques have improved in addition to awareness of the importance of dental visits. People visit their dentist more regularly, which makes early detection of a problem with your tooth’s roots easier. When a root canal is needed, the procedure is often less involved and easier to treat.
Root canal therapy is a procedure that’s gotten a bad name, but is not at all what people say it is. Technology has allowed oral care professionals to make your root canal as comfortable and quick as possible. Root canal therapy only takes about an hour—no longer than a professional teeth whitening! If you’ve been avoiding a root canal, now’s the time to talk to your dentist about getting this procedure done to save your tooth!
