For many patients, root canals are the scariest dental treatment they can think of. Movies and TV shows depict the procedure as painful and intimidating. Thankfully, modern root canals are not something to worry about! In fact, you’ll feel much more comfortable after your treatment since it will eliminate the cause of your pain.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside each tooth, there’s a soft center full of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This soft bundle is called the pulp. Root canal therapy is a treatment for when a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to injury or tooth decay. Pulp inflammation and infection can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling.
During root canal treatment, Dr. Bailey will remove the damaged pulp and clean out any infection. This process preserves the outer structure of your tooth and prevents the spread of infection. He may also top your tooth with a dental crown if your tooth requires reinforcement.
Whenever possible, we choose root canal therapy over tooth extraction. Root canal therapy allows a patient to keep their tooth and restores their ability to chew without pain. Plus, they don’t have to worry about tooth replacement options.
Will Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
If you’re anxious about root canal therapy because you’ve heard the treatment hurts, have no fear! This restorative procedure is virtually painless because of modern dentistry techniques and anesthetics. And if you struggle with generalized dental anxiety or fear, we offer gentle ways to help with relaxation.
Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment
We invite you to visit our dental office in Fredericksburg, VA, every six months for routine checkups. These exams allow Dr. Bailey to identify problem areas before they even require root canal therapy. But if you are currently experiencing tooth pain and/or swelling, schedule an appointment ASAP. Our expert dentist will determine if root canal therapy would allow you to be pain-free. So don’t delay–contact us today!
