Don’t be afraid of a root canal! It can save your tooth. Your local Espire Dental in Wyoming staff has years of experience helping patients navigate painless root canal procedures.

Ask anyone about a root canal, and they probably have a negative opinion. That’s not surprising, considering all the myths around the procedure. Many people believe it’s painful or can cause other health issues. None of those misconceptions are true.

The fact is, a root canal is an effective and safe treatment that can ultimately save your tooth. Instead of delaying root canal therapy, reach out to an Espire dentist in Wyoming and ask these questions to put your mind at ease.

Your questions about root canals answered

Roughly 15 million root canals are performed each year. Not only are root canals one of the most common dental treatments, but the procedure boosts a nearly 100 percent success rate. Put your mind at ease by understanding the treatment with the following pointers: 

How do I know I need a root canal? When decay or infection spreads into the inner pulp where nerves and blood vessels reside, you’ll experience a nagging toothache. Other symptoms include sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Your gums may swell and become tender, or you may see a pimple on your gums. However, you might also not feel any symptoms, so a regular dental exam can spot a diseased pulp so you can get treatment.

Why would I need a root canal? The only way to remove the decay or infection in the pulp is through a root canal. A simple dental filling will not eliminate the problem.

Should I have an extraction instead? Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is always preferable to an extraction. Plus, an extraction requires expensive and lengthy follow-up treatments, such as an implant or bridge. 

What happens during a root canal? After drilling through the enamel and the next layer of dentin, your dentist scoops the decay and disinfects the pulp and surrounding roots. The pulp and roots are filled with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. A permanent filling or crown tops the treated tooth to complete the process. The procedure should take no more than two office visits. Although the pulp has been removed, the tooth is still “alive” because the tissues around it will nourish it.

Is a root canal painful? Not at all. A local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding gums, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. It’s no more painful than a standard dental filling. Any minor discomfort from a root canal cancels the constant pain of an untreated, decayed tooth. It actually reduces your pain in the long run.

Who performs a root canal? A root canal can be done by either your dentist or an endodontist who specializes in root canal treatments.

Will a root canal cause other illnesses? The false information about root canals causing other illnesses is based on research done a century ago and, as such, has long been debunked. Significantly, one study found that multiple root canal treatments reduce cancer risk. 

How long does it take to recover from a root canal? You’ll be numb for two to four hours after the procedure. When the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some minor pain, which will soon disappear in a day or two. Your dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions. To protect the tooth, don’t chew hard foods. Brush and floss carefully around the treated tooth until it’s fully healed. 

How long will the root canal last? It’s pretty much one-and-done. With proper oral hygiene, your root canal should last a lifetime.

Have a painful tooth? See Espire Dental in Wyoming 

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Casper, Wyoming, location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth and decide if you need a root canal, and we’ll make the experience as pleasant as possible. Don’t live near our Casper, Wyoming, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Casper, Wyoming
1530 Centennial Ct. 
Suite A 
Casper, WY 82609