Root canals have long suffered something of an unfairly frightening reputation in the dental world. The phrase “I’d rather have a root canal than…” can often be found prefacing all kinds of terrifying scenarios. For some, the prospect of a standard, tooth saving dental procedure is only slightly less terrible than debtor’s prison or having their brains eaten by zombies. But fortunately for those suffering from dental trauma or extensive tooth decay, the information on root canals – and their perceived terribleness – has been greatly exaggerated. From the office of Dr. Kenneth Woo, your dentist in Gaitherburg, MD, here is some information on this misunderstood procedure.
Root Canal in Gaithersburg
In reality, the procedure is no more intense or uncomfortable than getting a standard dental filling. The inside of the teeth are made up of soft pulp, a web of nerve endings that keep it alive and healthy. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to severe pain and even permanent damage that can potentially result in tooth loss. Your Gaithersburg dentist can save a badly damaged tooth by clearing the pulp of bacteria and removing damaged and dead tissue inside the tooth. With the use of local anesthetic and topic numbing gels for the gums, a root canal can be indistinguishable from a basic cavity treatment once the patient is in the chair, and can be completed in one short office visit.
Not only is root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) not scary or excessively painful, it provides many benefits, such as:
- Eliminates pain from damaged nerve endings inside the tooth
- Can save a severely decayed tooth from extraction
- Can prevent the need for further and costlier dental work in the future
Dentist in Gaithersburg, MD
To learn more about how a root canal can help to save a damaged or severely decayed tooth, contact Kenneth Woo, DDS and Associates by calling (240) 683-3833. Schedule an appointment today!