Common Questions You May Have Surrounding Your Upcoming Root Canal Procedure

During a recent trip to your local Bardstown, Kentucky dentist, you may have been told by your dentist that you require a root canal. If you have never had root canal, this could leave you anxious and with many questions. You may have heard they are incredibly painful, but are they? When you visit Dr. Michael Walton and the team at Walton Family Dentistry, Dr. Walton will answer any questions regarding this endodontic procedure.

Here are some common questions patients tend to ask about root canals.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed on a tooth with infected pulp. The pulp, consisting of blood vessels, nerve endings, and more, is located within the inner chamber of your tooth. There are several reasons your tooth’s pulp could become infected, but a common reason is when a tooth has decay which moves all the way into the inner chamber of the tooth. When this happens, the pulp must be removed by your dentist via a root canal. The Dentist will access the pulp, which will then be removed and the inner chamber of the tooth cleaned and disinfected before being sealed. A root canal will save your tooth from needing to be extracted and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body.

Does A Root Canal Hurt?

You have probably heard so many mythical stories about how painful a root canal is. While root canals of the past may have been painful, you no longer need to worry about that. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, the discomfort you feel during a root canal is no different than when you get a standard filling. The entire area at and around the infected tooth will be completely numbed before the procedure. Any discomfort you may experience following your root canal will be relieved using an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Why Is a Root Canal Recommended?

When the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal can be recommended to save the tooth. If you decide not to get a recommended root canal, the inflammation or infection can lead to an abscess, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. Infection can also enter the bloodstream causing further health complications.

Can You Eat After Your Root Canal?

While nearly all patients who get a root canal report it being a fairly easy procedure, you will still probably want to stick to softer foods for the first 24 hours following your treatment. Avoid foods that will require excessive chewing. Speak to your dentist about specific guidelines, as they may recommend a crown to restore full strength back to the tooth following your procedure.

To learn more about root canals, please schedule an appointment today with Dr. Michael Walton at Walton Family Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, please call (502) 610-0151 today.