Is Root Canal Treatment Painful? – Myths You Need To Debunk

Root canal treatment (RCT) has been shrouded in misconceptions because of its reputation for causing pain. This was when there were no advancements in dental technology. However, with advances in dental techniques, RCT has evolved into a comfortable and safe solution for saving your teeth. Hence, now it’s time to debunk the myths and embrace the reality. Understanding root canal treatment is essential before you choose to book an appointment with a dentist for root canal treatment. 

What is root canal treatment? 

A root canal treatment is done to treat the infection and the damage that has taken place in the tooth’s pulp due to cavities. The process involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the tooth by removing bacteria and debris. Once the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is sealed to prevent future infections. 

The primary goal of RCT is to reduce persistent pain and preserve the tooth’s natural structure. 

What are the common myths about root canal treatment? 

Myth 1: RCT is painful 

Many think RCT is excruciatingly painful. However, in reality, the process involves applying anaesthesia to the jaws to make the process relatively painless. The anaesthesia will wear off once the treatment is over, leaving the area numb for some time, making the patient comfortable. 

Myth 2: Extraction is better than RCT

Many patients believe extraction is a simpler solution than RCT. However, RCT helps to save the natural tooth structure. It also prevents complications associated with extraction like bone loss and migration from the adjoining teeth. 

Myth 3: The Tooth root is being removed 

Patients believe that during RCT, the roots of the teeth are also being extracted. However, this is a false statement. Only the ineffective pulp tissue is removed, and the roots are preserved. The roots remain intact and support the tooth and its complete functions. 

What are the advancements in root canal treatment? 

Dentistry has evolved over the years, and RCTs are now performed with advanced equipment to ensure complete patient comfort. Some of the notable advancements are as follows:

Digital imaging

Cone-beam computed tomography provides detailed images of the RCT process for the dentist, helping them make more accurate diagnoses and plan treatment more effectively. 

Laser technology

Laser technology is now used by dentists to clean and disinfect the roots during the RCT process. These technologies have been more successful compared to traditional methods. Using laser technology helps reduce discomfort and shorten recovery time. 

Rotary instruments 

Dentists use rotary instruments to allow precise and faster cleaning of canals during the RCT treatment. These instruments make the patients comfortable, causing less trauma to the surrounding tissues. 

For pain free RCT using advanced technologies, book your appointment at Avant Dental. Our goal is to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral care.

Amazing Teeth Whitening Tips That You Can Follow

Are you unable to flaunt a sparkling white smile? Do you long for white teeth? More than 90% people globally are opting for professional teeth whitening services. Dull, yellowish and stained teeth are a constant source of nuisance irrespective of age and gender. While professional teeth whitening is expensive and time-consuming, there are DIY options available as well. 

However, with a few smart and simple tips you can prevent your teeth from getting discoloured. Here are a few teeth-whitening tips you should definitely follow to get sparkling white teeth. 

What are the common teeth whitening tips that you should follow?

Stop smoking

Smoking is not only injurious to health but also injurious to your teeth. The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes stain your teeth over time. The longer you smoke, the more stains you will develop. Although professional teeth whitening options will help you get white teeth, if you start smoking again, the stains will come back on the surface of your teeth. 

Limit beverage consumption

Limit consumption of coffee, tea, acidic fruit juices and wine so that you can avoid stains on the tooth enamel. Moreover, if you’re addicted to tea and coffee, make sure you drink them in a single sitting instead of drinking them over a prolonged period. Keeping the liquid in the mouth for a long time exposes the enamel to the beverage, causing long-lasting stains on the surface. 

Use whitening toothpaste

Some toothpastes contain whitening ingredients like baking soda and peroxide. Book an appointment with dentists. Ask them to list the pastes and start using them. Although this will not give you sparkling white teeth, it will remove the stains from coffee, tea, and wine from the surface of your teeth. 

Brush and floss everyday

Brushing every day is a daily hygiene habit. However, do you floss daily? Flossing is not a common practice. 9 out of 10 people do not floss their teeth daily. Unlike brushing, flossing helps remove food debris and encourages a brighter smile. Book an appointment with dentists, and they will guide you on the proper flossing technique. 

Use custom-fitted teeth whitening trays

Custom-fitted whitening trays are available in almost all pharmacies. These trays have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Use them and get instantly whiter teeth. With these trays, you can visit the dentist, and within two sittings, they will fix the issue. 

Change your diet

Include foods like watermelon and strawberries in your diet, as they contain malic acid, which helps whiten your teeth. Avoid eating pineapples, as they dissolve the pellicle, which can lead to tooth discolouration. Some other teeth-whitening foods include apples, cauliflower, and green tea, which help increase saliva secretion in the mouth and help remove acids generated by bacterial deposits. 

While there are many viable options, visiting a professional dentist is always the best choice. Book your appointment with Avant Dental. We can help you with professional teeth whitening services. Contact us for more information.

Faqs

Does teeth whitening work on all types of stains?

Whitening is effective on stains from coffee, tea, and wine; however, if there’s internal enamel discolouration, professional whitening might not be effective.

How long will my teeth whitening last?

Professionally treated teeth will last for around 3 years; however, you need to follow the tips to ensure that the teeth remain white.

Are DIY whitening kits effective?

Professional treatments will deliver better, faster results than DIY techniques. However, for short-term solutions, you can use DIY kits containing peroxide.