Here's Why a Tooth-Saving Root Canal Is Nothing to Fear
Feeling a little apprehensive about your upcoming root canal? If so, you’re not alone. About 36% of Americans have dentophobia (fear of visiting the dentist), and if you’re one of them, the thought of a root canal may be particularly unsettling.
Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, and her team at Dr. Darj Dental in El Paso, Texas, are on a mission to help eliminate the stigma and fear associated with root canals. There’s nothing to fear. In fact, root canals are dubbed as a tooth-saving procedure by the American Association of Endodontists.
1. Experience and expertise are at the heart of what we do
Dr. Darj is a highly skilled dentist with years of experience, and thanks to her expertise, she efficiently diagnoses and treats dental issues, knowing when to recommend extractions and when to recommend root canals. She’s proud to be a part of the Socorro tradition of clinical excellence, offering state-of-the-art dental procedures as well as mercury-free dentistry.
In other words, Dr. Darj's commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry guarantees that you receive outstanding root canal treatment.
2. A patient-centered approach fosters a better experience
One of the most important things you can do is name your fear. Pinpoint exactly what it is about your root canal that makes you feel uneasy. Common worries include fear of:
- Pain
- Numbing (not working or working too long)
- Sounds of dental equipment
- Not knowing what to expect
Sometimes, just talking about your concerns is enough to help ease your fear of the procedure. Dr. Darj and her team take the time to listen to your questions and address any specific anxieties you may have. This open communication helps create a sense of trust, making the experience more comfortable and less intimidating for you.
3. Pain management and sedation options keep you calm and comfortable
Is the thought of being uncomfortable during your root canal holding you back from getting the dental care you need? We can help.
Pain management
Just as with any other dental procedure, Dr. Darj administers local anesthesia (such as lidocaine) to quickly numb the treatment area before starting your root canal. Local anesthesia blocks pain signals from being sent to your brain, so you don’t feel anything. Lidocaine is so effective, it’s dubbed the gold standard for use in dentistry.
Sedation options
If you feel anxious or fearful, sedation options, such as laughing gas, can help you relax and feel at ease throughout your root canal. Together, pain management options and sedation dentistry keep your body and mind calm and comfortable.
4. A root canal saves your tooth
Rather than extracting a severely damaged or infected tooth, a root canal removes only the infected pulp. Keeping your natural teeth intact has numerous benefits, including:
- Preserving your jawbone
- Eliminating the need for replacing the extracted tooth with a bridge or dental implant
- Preserving the integrity of your smile
And these are just some of the benefits of root canal therapy.
5. Root canals eliminate your toothache
Although root canals are mistakenly regarded as a source of pain, the reality is that the procedure eliminates the pain of an infected tooth, and this is arguably the most important reason to not fear a root canal.
During a root canal, Dr. Darj not only removes decayed and infected tooth material, but she may also provide antibiotics to clear any lingering infections. This combination means the pain of an infected tooth will soon be in your past.
6. Post-treatment care and support
After a root canal procedure, our team provides thorough post-treatment instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We’re available to address any concerns or questions that may arise during your healing process.
Don’t postpone your root canal
If you've been avoiding a much-needed root canal (or any dental procedure, for that matter) due to fear or anxiety, don’t postpone dental treatment any longer. With Dr. Darj's expertise and compassionate care, you can rest assured that your root canal will eliminate the pain of your toothache and save your tooth in the process.
Don't let fear stand in the way of a healthy and beautiful smile. You don’t have to be uncomfortable or fearful during your root canal. Call 915-213-3767 or click to schedule your visit at Dr. Darj Dental and discover a stress-free root canal experience.