Some of our more frequently asked questions are found below. We present these for the opportunity to dispel myths and to make you more informed. You should always feel free to ask questions during any appointment.
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions we deal with. I think it stems from dentists in the past being too ready to start a root canal while the patient still has a significant infection and is often already in pain.
Today, we generally use antibiotics before we start treatment. This gets our patients comfortable and when we actually do the root canal treatment it goes quickly and easily.
It is so comfortable that patients SLEEP through longer than the root canal treatment time. It is boring!
Something about root canal treatment breeds all kinds of misconceptions. This is another common one.
According to a couple of recent studies root canal treatment is effective anywhere between 87% and 94% or better of the time. Nothing in medicine is one hundred percent effective.
When we say effective, by the way, we mean it accomplishes its goal. In this case a root canal is meant to remove the source or possible source of infection and allow the tooth to be repaired and saved for an indefinite period of time.
What many people confuse with root canals not working is that patients often get the root canal done then they do not get the rest of the treatment. Once the root canal is complete you need to have a filling done and a crown (in most cases). When either or both of these are not done, the tooth will probably decay again or often break and have to be removed.
So if you need root canal treatment commit to getting the filling and crown done. Otherwise it is often better to just remove the tooth and save yourself the future headache.
Let’s face it, nobody likes injections. (If they do, I’m concerned). But the choice is often between a split second of discomfort or an entire appointment of pain. I’d take the split second.
We use some of the most potent topical anesthetics available today. These are medicines that when sprayed or placed on the gums help numb them before the injection is even given. They can be so effective at times that you may not even feel the injection itself.
Don’t let fear of a simple injection keep you from maintaining or improving your dental health.
Dr. Dean Dietrich founded Pleasant Dental® with the vision of serving his community by providing high-value comfortable care. Dr. D. has over 30 years of expertise and continues to be very passionate about his work. He and team enjoy caring for fearful patients and providing care in a unique upbeat, even fun way.