Many dental patients feel anxious when they hear that they need a root canal. Anxiety as a default response stems from the reputation root canals had more than two decades ago. For a long time, root canals have been thought to be an invasive and painful procedure. Like most other dental procedures, root canals have gone high-tech. They are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
A High-Tech Root Canal Starts with the Right Diagnostic Equipment
Dentists no longer need to rely on one-dimensional X-ray images when deciding if a patient needs a root canal. That is because today’s dentists have access to advanced diagnostic equipment such as cone beam technology.
When used in a dental setting, cone beam technology provides dentists with a three-dimensional view of the affected tooth. All you need to do is relax in the dental chair while the equipment moves around your head taking photos.
Despite capturing hundreds of images, obtaining photos using cone beam technology typically takes one minute or less. Patients also appreciate their exposure to radiation during that one minute is about the same as traditional dental X-ray. Dr. Aggarwal has immediate access to the digital images and uses them to plan for your root canal procedure.
What is the Purpose of a Root Canal?
Pain or infection that lingers in a tooth is a sign that the root or nerve may have sustained damage. This is not just the visible part of the tooth that appears above your gum line. Left untreated, an infected or abscessed tooth can turn into a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. Root canal procedures allows Dr. Aggarwal to see the inside of your tooth and spot where the infection or abscess started.
Before current technology was available, dentists had to manually clean the inside of a tooth with inflexible steel files. The process was far from comfortable for patients. Fortunately, most dentists now use a flexible tip instrument to reach the smallest cavities within the tooth. Once obtaining access, Dr. Aggarwal begins to clean the inside of your tooth with the flexible tip. Cleaning involves removing the diseased pulp causing the discomfort.
Sedation is Available for Those Who Need It
We understand that some people automatically become anxious when visiting the dentist for any reason. If you anticipate feeling nervous or experiencing pain during your root canal, speak to our staff about receiving conscious sedation. Choosing this solution allows you to remain alert enough to respond to questions and commands. However, you will remain calm enough not to feel any anxiety while your dentist completes the root canal.
Are you experiencing ongoing pain in one or more teeth? You may need a root canal. Our staff here at Coolbreeze Dentistry would love to help! Please call our dental practice today or request an appointment here.