If you have never gone through root canal therapy, it is okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed. It is one of the most common endodontic procedures done at dental clinics and is perfectly safe. Your dentist will explain the need and procedure for root canal therapy, and you can also discuss the additional treatments you may require, such as a dental crown. If you are ready to visit a dental practice in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, New York, for the treatment, here are five pointers to keep in mind.

  1. You will need multiple sessions. The entire treatment is done in steps, and you may need to visit the dentist more than a couple of times to complete root canal therapy. While many clinics do RCT in a single day, the gaps between the appointments allow the tooth to heal before the next step. If the infection is at a deeper level or the root canals are not in regular shape, you may need more than three appointments.
  2. The procedure will not hurt. Your dentist will use local anesthesia before root canal therapy. You will not feel any pain, although there can be some discomfort as the dentist uses the dental files inside the tooth. If you have dental anxiety, let your dentist know, and make sure to bring your earphones so that you can listen to your favorite music as you sit in the chair.
  3. Root canal therapy is better than an extraction. If you don’t agree to root canal therapy, your dentist will have to eventually remove the infected tooth as there is a risk of complications. The procedure is your best shot at saving your natural tooth.
  4. You will need a dental crown. Because root canal therapy gets rid of the active nerve and tissues from inside the infected tooth, there is a concern related to breakage and fractures. It is common for dentists to recommend a crown after RCT so as to restore the shape, function, and look of the treated tooth.
  5. The success rate is very high. When a skilled dentist or endodontist is doing the work, there is no risk of complications with root canal therapy. Also, the success rate is amazing, and there is little chance you would need the same procedure twice for the same tooth.

Talk to your dentist today if you have other issues concerning RCT or need more details.