If you were instantly caught off-guard when you heard your dentist suggest a root canal procedure, you are not alone. Unfortunately, this common, safe, and useful dental procedure has gotten a bad reputation. Read on to find out why a root canal is nothing to worry about and what the procedure entails.

Don't Be Nervous: It's Painless

When you say root canal, you might automatically think about a painful dental procedure. Since root canals have been performed for quite some time, some of those exaggerated tails of painful root canals came about before modern pain relief came into wide use. Some people put off an important procedure like a root canal because they think it will be painful. That only leads to tooth loss and the need for far more invasive procedures. Just as with all types of dental surgery, root canal patients can choose from a menu of pain relief options. You and your dentist will discuss the level of pain relief you are most comfortable with prior to the procedure.

Root Canals Are Very Safe

Another common misconception is that root canal procedures can create an infection that can be dangerous. Dental offices place infection control practices at the top of the list and you can expect your root canal to be efficient, sanitary, and safe. While all surgeries carry a small risk of infection, it's what can happen if you don't have the root canal that can get scary. For example, untreated dental abscesses can cause life-threatening infections in some. A root canal addresses your existing infection by clearing out the bad stuff, and that stops decay and infection in one treatment.

What To Expect With a Root Canal

The main goal of a root canal is tooth preservation. If your dentist judges your tooth to be stable enough once any decay is removed, a root canal can literally save your tooth from having to be extracted. As you know, a decayed tooth can crack and fall apart if you don't take action. While there are plenty of options for dealing with missing teeth, it's always better if you can save your natural tooth. With a root canal procedure, anesthesia is administered and the decay inside the tooth is removed. Along with that is the removal of the pulp, which is the part of the tooth that can cause you pain with exposure. A root canal not only saves your natural tooth but also prevents the serious and permanent consequences of gum disease. To find out more about this procedure, speak to a person like John B Webster DDS.