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A root canal is an essential dental treatment that can save a severely infected or damaged tooth. Drs. Ian Campbell, Christopher Allington, Lara Loescher and Faraz at Positive Image Dental are dedicated to providing comfortable, effective root canal treatments for patients in Bermuda. Below are some commonly asked questions about root canals.

What is a root canal?

Root canals were developed as a means to extract the infected material (called pulp) inside a tooth. A tooth’s pulp consists of material including blood vessels and nerves which can become infected due to issues ranging from tooth decay to physical trauma. When the inside of a tooth becomes infected, you are likely to experience significant pain and it could even lead to further health complications if untreated. During the procedure, the infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and the space is filled with a biocompatible material to restore function.

Why might I need a root canal?

A root canal may become necessary if the pulp within one of your teeth becomes infected or inflamed. This is typically due to extensive decay, having multiple dental treatments performed on a single tooth, or due to physical damage resulting in cracks, chips, or breaks. If you need a root canal, you may experience symptoms that include significant tooth pain, increased sensitivity to hot or cold substances, prolonged swelling, or tenderness of the gums.

What are the risks of delaying a root canal?

Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications. The infection can spread from the tooth to surrounding tissue, bones, and even other areas of the body. This can result in abscesses, significant pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss. Additionally, avoiding a root canal can increase treatment costs, as more extensive procedures, like tooth extraction or implants, may eventually be needed.

Does a root canal hurt?

Despite common misconceptions, root canals are not particularly painful. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Any discomfort following the procedure is generally mild and temporary, especially compared to the pain caused by an untreated tooth infection. In fact, many patients feel significant relief once the infected tissue is removed.

Root Canal treatment explained by best dental office Positive Image Dental near Bermuda

What happens after a root canal?

After the root canal is complete, our dentists may recommend placing a crown on the tooth to restore its strength and function. A root canal-treated tooth is more fragile and needs extra protection, particularly for chewing. With proper care, the treated tooth can last a lifetime.

How can I prevent needing a root canal in the future?

The best way to avoid needing a root canal is through preventive care. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist for checkups, and addressing cavities or other dental issues early before they worsen.

Ready to Save Your Tooth?

 If you’re experiencing symptoms of a tooth infection or need more information about root canal treatment in Bermuda, contact our team at Positive Image Dental today at (441) 292-2312. Don’t delay treatment and risk further complications—schedule your consultation now!

Root Canal

Root Canal

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