Ever hear the old saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover?’ It’s true. Take root canals for example. They’ve gained a nasty reputation over the years as a painful and often unnecessary procedure. But are these perceptions accurate? One way to find out is to seek the advice of an emergency dentist in Prince Alberta. There’s nothing like a little information to correct a lot of misconceptions.
The Truth About Modern Root Canals
It’s amazing how much our world has changed over the last 30 years or so. Take for example terms like “Internet,” “web site,” or even “search engine.” They’ve only been part of our everyday language for a few years. Now we can’t imagine life without them. It just goes to show that science and technology are always making our lives better.
The same is true in the world of dentistry. Tools and techniques that were once state-of-the-art are now obsolete. Modern clinics have access to digital imaging technology that dentists in the past could scarcely have imagined. This allows them to catch nerve endings and bits of infected tissue that might have once escaped notice.
This is a crucial fact to consider when your dentist recommends a root canal in Prince Alberta. Most of today’s patients compare the experience to undergoing a simple extraction, in terms of short-term discomfort. Yet the ongoing benefits they gain in return are enormous. They include:
- Freedom from pain. A root canal removes both the infected tissue and the inflamed nerves at the heart of most toothaches. Yet the tooth remains strong and able to do its job. It’s like having the best of both worlds.
- A cheerier smile. Modern root canal therapy helps you to feel like your old self, so you can face the world with a grin on your face.
- Better long-term oral health. In some ways, your teeth are like a row of dominoes. When one falls, the rest are likely to follow. Even one missing tooth can subject the remaining ones to unhealthy stress, causing them to loosen and eventually fail.
Tips for Making Your Root Canal Go Well
Knowing what to do both before and after the procedure can prevent needless discomfort, helping you to get back to your old routine as soon as possible. Here’s some tips with that in mind:
- Plan to take the rest of the day off. Most people are able to resume their regular schedule the day after undergoing a root canal.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort you may feel. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are good choices for most people. You should never take a prescription pain reliever without express medical approval.
- Adopt a soft food diet for a few days. Possible choices include soup (warm, not hot), sugar-free gelatin, bananas, and mashed potatoes.
We hope this addresses your concerns about undergoing a root canal. Feel free to direct any remaining questions you may have to your dentist. It won’t be long before you’re enjoying brighter smiles and sunnier days.
About the Author
Dr. Markus Wilson earned his DMD degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He’s happy to answer any questions his patients may have about root canals or other forms of dental therapy. You can reach his office online or by calling 1-306-763-7841.