If you have a damaged or diseased tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal services. Even though millions are performed each year, most people do not fully understand what a root canal procedure is or how it can benefit your oral health. If your dentist is recommending a root canal treatment, here are a few questions to ask.

What Does a Root Canal Procedure Involve?

One of the most important questions to ask is what actually happens during a root canal treatment. The treatment involves removing the infected, decaying pulp inside the tooth. After removing the infected material, the tooth is cleaned and sealed, preventing food and bacteria from infecting it again in the future.

Is a Root Canal Treatment Really Necessary?

Now that you know how a root canal is performed, you may be wondering if it is really necessary. It is important to understand an infected tooth is just like any other infection.

The infection can be painful. You may experience severe toothaches that affect the jawbone, as well. Many will also experience headaches and difficulty chewing or sleeping because of the pain. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread, affecting the tooth, your gum tissue, your mouth, and even your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.

A root canal procedure is the best treatment for stopping the pain and preventing the infection from causing more serious medical issues.

Is a Root Canal Procedure Painful?

Another question you may ask is if the root canal treatment is painful. Your dentist will use a light anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. You should not experience any pain during a root canal procedure. However, you may feel some light pressure as your dentist removes the infected pulp and cleans the tooth.

After the procedure, it is normal to feel sore and have some light swelling, especially around the treated tooth. An ice pack and over-the-counter ibuprofen should be sufficient for easing the discomfort. If you are experiencing severe pain after a root canal treatment, contact your dentist immediately.

Will a Root Canal Treatment Save the Tooth?

If you have extreme pain and an infection related to an injury or tooth decay, you may worry about losing the tooth. Even one missing tooth can affect the look and underlying health of your smile, so it is important to try and save the tooth if and when possible.

A root canal procedure offers the option of saving the tooth instead of having it extracted. Your dentist will be able to determine if your particular tooth can be saved through the procedure or if the infection is so severe, an extraction is the only option.