Advancements in Root Canal Therapy – Nothing to Fear

Root canals have a reputation for being painful procedures that people try to avoid. However, advancements in endodontics have made significant improvements to root canal therapy. Knowing more about the truth behind old misconceptions can help ease any fears you have about this procedure. It’s also helpful to learn more about new advancements in root canal technology. The following information can help you better understand how root canals are done today compared to the past.

Old Myths About Root Canals

Despite changes in root canal therapy, misconceptions about this procedure still exist. These are some of the most common myths about root canals that you might be familiar with.

Myth: Root Canals Are Very Painful

In the past, root canals were considered to be painful procedures. However, the use of pain relief measures, such as anesthesia, and new technologies have made them relatively painless. Oral sedation or nitrous oxide sedation can be used to help you feel relaxed while having a root canal done. Minimally invasive techniques can be used to keep this procedure as painless as possible. Keep in mind that root canals actually ease pain instead of causing it.

Myth: Root Canals Cause Illness

This is an old belief that has no scientific evidence to back it up. Root canals help protect you from illness, such as widespread infections, since they eliminate bacteria from the affected tooth.

Myth: Tooth Extractions Are Better

Having a tooth extracted means you lose it permanently. This can affect your appearance and lead to difficulty with eating and speaking. Root canals offer a way to save your natural teeth, so you don’t have to look into tooth replacements.

Myth: Root Canals Are Only Needed with Tooth Pain

You might not have noticeable pain with a damaged or infected tooth. However, the affected tooth might have an infection that still requires a root canal.

Myth: Root Canals Remove Tooth Roots

A root canal eliminates infected pulp inside your tooth, but the roots stay in place. Removing damaged or decayed pulp helps get rid of infections.

New Advancements in Root Canal Technology

Improvements in the way root canals are done have helped make these procedures relatively painless. These are some of the most notable advancements in root canal technology.

GentleWave

GentleWave offers a minimally invasive technique for treating tooth infections. Instead of using manual instruments, this technology involves the use of both multisonic technology and procedure fluids. Multisonic technology produces acoustic frequencies that cause debris in the affected teeth to break apart. Procedure fluids are then used to carry bacteria and other debris to the root ends. This debris is then vacuumed out of the tooth, which helps keep bacteria from invading other teeth or parts of your body.

GentleWave provides important benefits, including a faster healing process and an improved cleaning process. Other benefits include a reduced risk of pain, even after your procedure, and less risk of irritation in the surrounding tissue. This technology only requires one visit instead of multiple, making it more convenient. It also lowers the risk of reinfection in the treated tooth.

Operating Microscopes

The use of advanced surgical microscopes has also improved the way root canals are done. These microscopes offer enhanced illumination and magnification, resulting in greater accuracy and better safety. Root canals require endodontists to see the tiniest details in order to ensure that these procedures are effective. Advanced operating microscopes make these details visible. This helps reduce the risk of having a root canal fail and needing retreatment done.

Cone Beam Dental Imaging

Diagnosing and treating endodontic disease through root canals and other procedures requires detailed imaging of the affected area. Cone beam computer tomography (CT) dental imaging provides a high level of detail for more accurate diagnoses. This imaging technology produces 3D visualizations of the affected teeth, along with the surrounding area, including bone and sinuses. This kind of detail can’t be achieved using traditional dental X-rays.

Cone beam dental imaging makes it possible to evaluate the amount, location, and severity of damage inside teeth. This information can then be used to make a diagnosis and determine the right treatment plan. For root canals, this imaging technology helps ensure that the affected teeth are thoroughly treated in order to eliminate infections and lower the risk of having them come back.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other signs of a tooth infection, please contact Largo Endodontics for an appointment. Our endodontist, Dr. Ernest Rillman, can evaluate your tooth and perform a root canal if needed. Our office uses GentleWave technology, cone beam dental imaging, and high-quality operating microscopes to ensure accuracy and safety. We also offer sedation to help you feel at ease during your procedure.