Dental procedures can be scary, and our staff believes that a little bit of preparation can help you overcome the common jitters often experienced prior to a root canal. With modern procedures and anesthetic methods, we can help you make it through the process easily and be quickly on your way to the enjoyment of a strong set of teeth you can be confident in.

Understanding the Root Canal

In the center of your tooth is a hollow space known as the pulp chamber, and from it branches narrow passageways all the way to the ends of the tooth roots. These passageways are the root canals. When the tissues at this depth become infected, it's crucial to perform a root canal treatment in order to save the tooth.

Extraction: The Alternative

There is an alternative to root canals, and that would be an extraction. However, this option is typically not preferable. After all, root canals boast an impressive success rate of more than 90 percent, and this means you are able to effectively save your tooth most of the time. Other benefits of the procedure include:

• Bite issues from a shift in teeth's position
• Loss in density of the jawbone
• Trouble chewing food
• What to Expect During the Procedure

The name itself implies an intricate procedure. However, we are happy to tell our patients that the pain is minimal. Using our effective anesthetics, you won't be able to tell if we're doing a root canal or just a simple filling. On the other hand, the infection you suffer with that makes the treatment necessary is the root of far more pain than you'll experience in our office.

Preparing for the Days Following Treatment

We like to ensure our patients know exactly what to expect when they leave our office following their root canal treatment. Over the few days, mild irritation is common, but this can typically be controlled using over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. It's possible you may need to come back for additional visits to receive fillings or a crown, and our staff will let you know if that's necessary in your situation.

With You Every Step of the Way

At Cloward Dental we understand the common apprehensions our patients face prior to root canal treatment. That's why we take the time in advance to make sure your questions and concerns are addressed. Root canals are a routine procedure at our office, and we understand how to best use our tools and knowledge to help you get through the process as comfortably as possible. When you schedule an appointment, we examine the intricacies of your individual situation, and we can devise a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.