Root canals are procedures that intimidate many people simply because there is so much misinformation that surrounds them. Unfortunately, if you are experiencing pain and discomfort in your mouth due to an infection in your gum tissue or teeth, having a root canal may be a vital decision you have to make.

If you’re facing a root canal, put your mind at ease by reading these six things about the procedure.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure to preserve an infected tooth by removing the diseased pulp tissue and cleaning out the infection. While the once-infected tooth may be more brittle afterward, it will be intact and functioning, and you’ll be out of danger of the infection spreading.

When Should I Have a Root Canal?

If you experience sharp pain when biting down, swelling of the gum tissue, acute tooth pain, or discomfort after eating hot or cold foods, you may need a root canal. These are all symptoms of an infection or disease in your tooth’s root, or the pulpy tissue that makes up the inside of your tooth. Pulp tissue can become inflamed or infected for a number of reasons, which can lead to pain and health complications.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you see a dentist to find out the root of the problem.

Is it a Painful Procedure?

It’s a popular misconception that root canals are painful. The infection in your tooth is painful; the procedure is not. You’ll be given medicine and numbing agents beforehand to make the root canal as painless a procedure as possible.

Is it Safe?

Another myth surrounding root canals is that they end up causing more infections in the body. In reality, a root canal clears your mouth of painful, damaging infections, and when performed by a licensed, board-certified endodontist, like our highly qualified Dr. Thomas Cipriano, the procedure does not spread disease or cause further infections in the body.

Will it Take a Long Time?

A root canal be successfully completed in a single visit. You won’t have to do multiple visits to have the procedure. It is advised, though, that you come in for a follow-up shortly afterward to check on how everything is healing correctly.

Can it Save My Tooth?

While some people think it’s best to extract an infected tooth, it may not always be necessary. Sometimes you’re better off preserving the tooth by having a root canal and keeping your tooth intact. The procedure can make your tooth more brittle afterward, so you may need to have a crown put on in the future.

If you think you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified dental specialists. Call Dental Specialty Associates at our Phoenix (602-795-5995) or Gilbert (480-633-9977) offices.