This post from Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township MI addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the root canal.
If you find out you need a root canal, don’t panic. When we recommend this procedure, it’s to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth.
Why do people fear root canals? Simple: they have the reputation of being extremely painful. But in most cases, the patient is already in pain because of the damaged or infected tooth. Root canals will eliminate that pain.
And the procedure itself? The area being treated is completely numb from local anesthetics.
Root Canal Therapy
During the root canal procedure, we remove the pulp inside the affected tooth. You may think of a tooth as bone-like, but in reality there is a soft pulp inside. It surrounds the nerves and blood vessels within.
When this pulp is damaged or infected it leads to a lot of pain, as well as a darkened appearance. Once we remove it, the space it leaves is filled and the tooth is sealed. Then, it’s covered with a crown, which protects it and gives it a natural look.
Some patients report tenderness or pain in the days immediately after the procedure. But it’s usually minimal, and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, what you may already have in the medicine chest at home.
At Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township MI, a root canal is nothing to fear, and we’ve treated people from Washington Township, Macomb, and Lakeside. Patients also come to our practice for a full range of general and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry:
586-685-0880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
45665 Village Blvd
Shelby Township, Michigan
48315
