Is a Root Canal Safe?

Good oral health means taking proper care of your gums and teeth. Unfortunately, poor dental health is a global concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 90% of children have at least one cavity, almost all adults have at least one, and around 30% of older adults 65-74 have no teeth left. Many factors play a role in these statistics, including dietary choices, lifestyle habits, genetics, medical conditions, and infection.

If you have a tooth infection, you might need a root canal. Unfortunately, root canals have misconceptions surrounding them.

Let’s try to ease any apprehension about this procedure.

If you live in Mamaroneck, New York, or Stamford, Connecticut, and are struggling with tooth problems, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and our team at All Bright Dental can help.

Reasons for getting a root canal

Underneath the off-white exterior of your tooth (enamel) are the dentin, cementum, and pulp. Damage to the tooth or a cavity that reaches the pulp can lead to infection. Here are some signs you might need a root canal:

Chronic tooth pain
Pressure pain
Tooth discoloration
Loose tooth
Swollen jaw

The root canal process

A root canal is performed over one or multiple sessions.

It starts with a rubber dam placed over your mouth to isolate the tooth.

Then, the tooth is disinfected, and a small hole is drilled into it to reach the pulp.

After that, tiny files remove the nerves and infected tissue from the tooth.

Additional X-rays may be necessary during the procedure.

Once finished, the tooth is dried, and a rubber dental material called gutta percha seals it. Then, a crown or filling is placed over the tooth.

Common concerns about safety

Root canals are safe. Most concerns are regarding a fear of the procedure. Many people worry about:

Pain

The nerves in your tooth are what cause the tooth pain. Once the nerves are gone, the pain resolves, too. The procedure doesn’t hurt because we use anesthetics.

Illnesses

Almost a century ago, poorly conducted research pointed towards root canals increasing the chances of illness and other diseases. Nothing could be further from the truth! With a modern root canal, your risk of illness is nearly non-existent.

Extractions vs. root canals

It’s preferred to keep a natural tooth. Having to replace a tooth takes more time and is more costly.

With 15 million root canals done annually, the treatment is very safe. So, if you have dental problems, please make an appointment with Dr. Kravets and Al Bright Dental today.