Root Canal Treatment: Understanding the Often Misunderstood Procedure

Root canal treatment is among the most avoided dental treatments by many. The reason? Because this procedure is often associated with pain and also other rumors that can significantly affect how people perceive this particular treatment. 

root canal treatment


Like any other dental procedures, root canal treatment aims to preserve one’s oral health. To do so, it treats damaged or infected teeth to save them from possible extraction. Preserving the natural teeth is essential because, despite the improvements in dental service, nothing can still replace the appearance, feel, and function of real teeth.

To further understand root canal treatment and clear up some things, continue reading below to know its importance and appreciate the benefits it offers to one’s oral health.

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure intended to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. Undergoing a root canal treatment involves the process of removing all the infected areas, cleaning, and disinfecting. Once done, the tooth will then be filled and sealed for it to function as normally as possible.

Is root canal treatment a painful procedure?

One of the greatest fears that hinder people from getting root canal treatment is the pain involved throughout the process. However, what they should understand is, a procedure carried out by a skillful and trained dental professional should be relatively painless. Besides, the pain felt by the patient is due to the infection and not from the treatment. In fact, undergoing root canal treatment helps eliminate pain, not cause more. Here at Greenbelt Dental Associates, we make sure that our patients will experience comfortable and pain-free procedure by offering local anesthesia and sedation options.

What should you expect after a root canal treatment?

During the first few days after the completion of root canal treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive due to the natural inflammation of the tissues, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort or sensitivity can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. On the other hand, the majority of the patients can return to their normal activities the next day.

Until the final restoration for the tooth is placed, like a permanent filling or dental crown, it is wise to refrain from chewing on the tooth under repair. Doing so will help avoid the reinfection of the tooth and may also prevent it from breaking before it can be fully restored

As far as oral health care is concerned, it is best to follow all the instructions given by the dentist. This includes practicing proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing the dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings.

When is it too late to get a root canal?

Delaying a root canal treatment may result in the need for tooth extraction. This happens when the root of an infected tooth causes bone loss. If this condition worsens, it might already be too late to save the affected tooth using a root canal treatment. Therefore, having the tooth extracted is the best course of action to prevent infection from spreading to adjacent teeth.


Aiming to save your teeth from extraction? Make this possible by taking advantage of our
Root Canal Treatment in Greenbelt, MD! Call or visit us to schedule your appointment with Greenbelt Dental Associates.