Root Canal Therapy – Why Are People Afraid of Root Canals?
Root Canal Therapy – Why Are People Afraid of Root Canals?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that often invokes fear and anxiety in many patients. Despite its reputation, a root canal is a common, safe, and effective treatment designed to save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Here, we aim to demystify the fears surrounding root canal therapy and explain what happens during the procedure.
The fear surrounding root canal therapy can be attributed to a few factors:
Misinformation and Myths: There are many myths surrounding root canal therapy, including the idea that it is exceedingly painful. Modern dental technology and anesthesia options have made this procedure as pain-free as possible, but old stereotypes persist.
Fear of Pain: Many people associate dental work with pain. Although root canals were painful decades ago, advancements in dental practices have transformed them into a pain-manageable experience. Dentists now use local anesthetics to completely numb the area being treated, significantly reducing discomfort.
Anxiety from Stories: Personal stories and exaggerated accounts from others can fuel fear. Each person’s experience is different, and focusing on negative stories can skew perception of the actual process.
Fear of the Unknown: For many, not knowing what will happen during the procedure causes anxiety. Educating patients on the steps involved can alleviate much of this fear.
So, let’s discuss what Dr. Lichtenstein does to combat these fears and anxieties to offer each patient a comfortable experience. Dr. Lichtenstein is an anesthesiologist who specializes in reducing personal barriers regarding root canals to perform the service. Through sedation, there is less anxiety and with general anesthesia, the patient can be fully asleep and without pain for the duration of the procedure. Claustrophobia and gagging reflex can be eliminated with the removal of rubber dam (mandatory, SOP, SOC) mouth, nose, and face covers. The doctor also provides long-acting numbness to reduce post-procedure pain.
Dr. Lichtenstein provides these services to those with dental fears or anxieties, but also specializes in working with those who prefer not to be awake during the procedure. He has also helped many autistic and other special needs patients who find it difficult to sit still for a lengthy procedure, as well as those who suffer from TMJ issues (and cannot hold their mouth open).
What Happens During a Root Canal?
- Understanding the process can help ease the fear associated with root canal therapy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Diagnosis and X-ray: The process begins with a thorough examination of the tooth and an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage. the shape, and number of the root canals.
- Local Anesthesia: To ensure the procedure is painless, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Pulpectomy: An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber. Diseased pulp is removed from the canal. The pulp is the soft area within the center of the tooth that contains the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Once the damaged, diseased, or dead pulp is removed, the space is cleaned, enlarged, and shaped to prepare it for filling. Additional procedures are performed, such as irrigation with solutions to eliminate bacteria and pathogens.
- Filling the Canal: The cleaned and shaped space is filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the canals. A temporary filling is often used to close the opening on the tooth.
- Final Restoration: After the root canal therapy, the tooth needs to be restored with a crown or a filling to ensure it can function like any other tooth. This final step will occur on a subsequent visit, generally a few weeks after the root canal procedure.
Root canal therapy is a highly effective treatment for preserving a tooth that has been severely infected, decayed, or damaged by trauma. Modern dental techniques and anesthetics have made this procedure more comfortable than ever before. By understanding what happens during a root canal and dismissing common myths, patients can approach this treatment with greater confidence and less anxiety. Surgical root canal therapy can be done to remove the end part of a difficult root to treat or to remove an abscess or lesion (cyst) around the end of a root.(Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of an infected tooth.)
Root canal therapy doesn’t have to be a fearful experience. With the right information and a skilled dental team, it can be a pain-free, safe, and successful procedure that helps maintain your dental health and your smile.
For more information on how we manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures, contact us directly to discuss how we can make your dental experience a positive one. Dr. Lichtenstein has provided attentive and compassionate care while ensuring the best results for his patient’s oral health.
Dr. Lichtenstein’s office is in Holmdel, NJ, adjacent to Hackensack Meridian Health (Bayshore Medical Center)
Phone: (732) 739-3337 EMAIL: leemlichtenstein@gmail.com
ADDRESS: 723 North Beers Street, Suite 1A, Garden State Medical Arts Plaza, Holmdel, NJ 07733