Did you know that every year, millions of people undergo root canal treatment? Our Valley View Dental team performs root canal therapy to save a tooth that is badly infected or damaged. We have helped many people save problem teeth. But unfortunately, despite its effectiveness in saving teeth, root canal therapy is still often a misunderstood and feared procedure. That’s why Root Canal Awareness Week was established, to educate people about the importance of root canal therapy and to dispel the myths surrounding it.
Why Celebrate Root Canal Awareness
Root Canal Awareness Week is observed during the second week of May every year, and it is an opportunity for our dental team to promote the benefits of root canal therapy for our patients. This year, Root Canal Awareness Week will be observed from May 8th to May 14th, 2023.
Root canal therapy is a treatment that is done when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is damaged, it can cause you pain and sensitivity, and if left untreated, it can lead to an abscess or the loss of your tooth. Preventing this from happening is why we offer root canals!
Are Root Canals Painful?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure! In fact, it is designed to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a damaged or infected tooth. With the help of modern anesthesia techniques and pain management medications, most patients report little to no pain during their root canal treatment. Now that’s a relief!
During root canal therapy, our dentist removes the damaged pulp, and then cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth. Then we fill and seal the area with a material called gutta-percha. After your root canal procedure, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its full function per normal.
One more thing, it’s important to understand that untreated dental problems can lead to serious health issues. An untreated infected tooth can spread bacteria to other areas of your body, leading to additional infections and inflammation! Root canal therapy prevents these problems from arising while saving your natural teeth.
Raising Awareness
During Root Canal Awareness Week, our dental team will be promoting the importance of maintaining good oral health to prevent the need for root canal therapy. Having regular dental checkups, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and following a healthy diet can all work together to help prevent dental problems and maintain healthier teeth and gums.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to consult with our Valley View Dental team to determine if root canal therapy may be necessary. Just remember, a healthy smile is a sign of a healthy body, so you will want to take good care of your teeth and gums! We have helped many people save problem teeth using root canal therapy in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois and look forward to helping you!