Are you struggling with a painful tooth? Are you at your wit’s end trying to get it to go away, but there’s always discomfort no matter what you do? Maybe it’s time you talked to your dentist in Cedar Rapids about having a root canal. We know those two little words can cause big anxiety for some patients, but if you leave your troublesome tooth untreated, things could get a whole lot worse.
Why Root Canals Are Necessary (and a Good Thing)
We might recommend root canal treatment when you have a tooth where the pulp or soft tissue inside the root canals becomes inflamed or infected. We’ll do a root canal as a last resort when we cannot restore your tooth. Here are some common symptoms that a root canal could help to soothe:
- Constant toothache
- Lingering sensitivity
- Discharge
- Pain in your jaw bone
- Discomfort when chewing
- Swelling in your gums
If any of these sound familiar, it’s essential that you schedule an appointment with your dentist in Cedar Rapids as soon as possible so we can do a thorough checkup.
How Long Will it Take to Complete Root Canal Treatment?
When you need a root canal to help heal your smile, how your treatment progresses will be personal to your needs and schedule. Generally speaking, root canals can take up to two appointments, ranging in length from 30 to 90 minutes. What determines how long your procedure will take is the severity of your individual case. The initial appointment is when we do the actual root canal, where all of the infected pulp is safely and effectively removed from your tooth. The second appointment is when your tooth is permanently or completely crowned for a brand new, healthy tooth.
Root Canals Are More Common Than You Think
In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, let’s praise this common dental procedure that happens over 41,000 times a day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States.
We hope you’re feeling a little bit better about the not-so-dreadful root canal procedure. If you want to avoid having root canals or worrying about them in the future, it’s always best to take good care of your oral health today. Always remember to brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss them once. Be sure to limit how much sugar and refined carbohydrates you take in too. They can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and the need for root canals.
Are you experiencing dental issues? Are you nervous about seeing your dentist in Cedar Rapids? Relax, and call us. We’re here to help and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.