Posted by Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry Dec 04, 2024
Root canals gained a bad reputation in the past for being painful. You might've heard horror stories from friends or family about root canal treatment or maybe even had an experience of your own.
The truth is, modern dentistry has made advances with technology and tools that make root canal treatment even more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
The other thing to understand about root canals is that the treatment is not the source of your pain, but rather it stems from an infection inside your tooth. When decay or a fracture reaches the nerve of your tooth, it can cause a painful infection, and we're talking about the kind of discomfort that keeps you awake at night. This is why people associate root canals with pain, but the treatment itself is actually eliminating your pain and infection while preserving your natural tooth structure.
So, the bottom line is that the idea that root canals are painful is entirely a myth!
Dr. Cerina Fairfax uses all the latest technology to make root canal treatment as comfortable as it can possibly be. First, she'll numb the area around the affected tooth, which will immediately relieve your discomfort. Next, she'll carefully remove the diseased tissue from inside your tooth and ensure it is infection-free before sealing it with a temporary filling.
We'll give your tooth time to heal over the next few days, and then you'll return to our Fairfax dental office to have it strengthened with a permanent crown or filling. Root canal treatment can make the tooth weak or brittle, and building it back up with a crown or filling ensures that you enjoy all functions you had before your tooth infection.
Unfortunately, tooth infections don't resolve on their own and can result in more significant problems if left untreated. If you or a loved one is experiencing a toothache, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry at (703) 273-1033 right away so we can provide you with prompt care.