A woman receives a dental exam.

I Need a Root Canal… Now What?

To many patients, the mere mention of a “root canal” can be the start of major dental anxiety. Understanding the benefits of a root canal can help minimize the overall hesitancy in following through with this procedure. 

 

When a patient is told those dreaded words by their dentist, “that tooth needs a root canal,” it is usually because of an active infection or abscess that is causing severe pain or pressure. An infection in the tooth does not go away without proper treatment. In some cases, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or head if left untreated. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we complete root canals routinely, and our goal is to ease our patients’ pain while providing the best course of treatment possible. 

What is a Root Canal?

First, as with any procedure, our dentists will anesthetize the area to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. During a root canal procedure, the pulp, which is the hollow interior of a tooth containing the blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells, is removed. The area is thoroughly disinfected, and the canals are shaped before a filling is placed to seal the tooth. After root canal therapy, the tooth is considered “dead,” so the patient will no longer feel pain emanating from the tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed and the infection has been eradicated.

A Root Canal Saves the Natural Tooth

Once the root canal is finished, the tooth is fragile and will need a crown to protect it. Patients are able to keep their natural tooth during the root canal process; however, it will require a crown to preserve the health and stability of the tooth while maintaining a natural smile. 

Confidence in Your Decision

The link between your overall health and oral health is so important. Understanding a diagnosis and reason for treatment can help to set aside any hesitancy on the patient’s part. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable and educated about their oral health. As one of the leading root canal dentists in Harleysville and restorative dentists in Souderton, our practice uses the highest technological advancements in our field to perform dental treatments. The entire procedure is generally completed within an hour and a half, depending on the circumstances, and you will leave feeling assured that the infection has been removed and your tooth is back to a healthy state. 

 

Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates has been providing quality dental care in the Bucks and Montgomery County areas for over 27 years. If you would like more information, visit our website at www.gotta-smile.com or call 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.