3 Most Asked Questions About Root Canals

root canal blogRoot canals are infamous for being extremely painful and scary. However, root canals are one of the most performed procedures in dentistry. Under the careful guidance of a skilled dentist root canals are a rather painless procedure. Dr. Brenda Paulen of Proud Smiles is an experienced Sandy Spring, GA dentist with over 15 years of experience properly treating patients who are need of a root canal. At Proud Smiles, we offer patients a unique, high-quality approach to dentistry. We understand that root canals have a reputation of being a painful procedure; however, we offer a variety of sedation options to help put patients at ease during their treatment.

To help relieve your fear of root canals, it is important to understand the process. During the procedure, Dr.Paulen will gently examine the tooth and determine the best course of action. She will any infected or damaged are of the tooth. Once the decay is removed, Dr. Paulen will thoroughly clean and disinfect the surface area before filling and sealing it. Dr. Paulen usually recommends the placement of a dental crown to help protect the tooth. After the root canal treatment, Dr. Paulen will discuss permanent replacement options with you to determine what best suits you.

Most Asked Question About Root Canals

People tend to be more afraid of things they don’t understand, so we have answered some of the most asked questions about root canals.

Are root canals painful?
Root canals are not painful. Like with any complex medical or dental procedure, Dr. Paulen takes the necessary steps to provide patients with a pleasant and comfortable environment while getting treated.At Proud Smiles, we offer a full range of sedation treatments to help patients remain calm and comfortable during their treatment. Depending on the sedation method, some patients won’t even remember the procedure.

How do I know when I need a root canal?
Once the tooth is infected, patients may feel a sharp or dull ache on the infected tooth.However, this isn’t always the case. Some patients may not feel any symptoms that may indicate they need a root canal. Patients should regularly schedule a preventive care exam by Dr. Paulen to help catch complex problems as early as possible. If the infected tooth goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. The goal of the root canal treatment is to save the tooth and restore a bright, healthy smile.

How is root canal recovery?
Patients may feel some discomfort or sensitivity after their root canal treatment. Most symptoms can be relieved with an over the counter pain medication. Dr. Paulen will provide each patient with detailed aftercare instructions. It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions to avoid infection and allow your tooth to heal properly.