In many cases, dental fillings can be used to help treat a cavity. However, if the cavity is severe or you have an aching tooth, you may need a root canal. If you have recently been told you need this procedure, you might feel concerned that this will be a painful procedure or worry about how long the recovery can take. However, the truth is that this treatment can help bring relief to an aching tooth and protect your smile’s long term health. In today’s blog, your team at Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, are here today to discuss what to expect when coming in for this treatment.
When This Restoration Is Necessary
As you may already know, dental fillings can be used to treat a tooth that has a cavity. The decayed area will be carefully removed before the space is cleaned and a strong material is added in its place. Fillings are a helpful solution for mild to moderate cavities, but if you are experiencing severe decay or an infection, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. With this restoration, the infected pulp of your dental structure will carefully be removed. After the area has been cleaned, a strong material gutta-percha can be added to strengthen the area. Your dentist may add a dental crown on top of your tooth for extra protection after the area heals.
Can You Avoid A Root Canal?
You may be able to avoid this restoration by practicing a good oral hygiene routine and coming in for dental fillings as early as possible. While these steps cannot guarantee that you will not need a root canal, they could help you reduce the chances of tooth decay and protect your smile from significant damage. However, if you have been told that you need a root canal, the only alternative may be removing the tooth altogether. This is because RCT is used to remove damaged or infected pulp from your dental structure.
How We Can Help With Dental Anxiety
Many patients experience anxiety surrounding dental procedures for several reasons. You may fear the potential pain of a procedure or have had a poor dental experience in the past. We understand these concerns, and our team is here to help ease your worries. Before your treatment, we can offer sedation to help you feel relaxed throughout the procedure. The treatment should not cause you any discomfort, and in fact can help relieve the toothache caused by the infected pulp. If you have dental-related anxiety, talk to our team before your appointment to discuss sedation options.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
The team at Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, is here to help you achieve a healthy smile. To learn more about root canals or other restorative care, please call our team today at 641.628.1121.