WHY ROOT CANALS ARE BETTER IN 2022
While root canals might seem relatively new, experts believe they have been attempted for thousands of years. Throughout history, dentists would drain infections out of teeth and use various materials to seal them. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that the practice became more refined.
Root canals then and now
Many of the materials used in dentistry in the past, such as asbestos, lead, cement, rubber, and copper, were not biocompatible. This would lead to further complications down the line. Today, dentists have a material known as gutta-percha. After the infected pulp is removed and the chamber is cleaned, dentists use this material to seal the tooth. By heating up this substance, dentists can mold it into a shape that fits the contours of your tooth.
Although sealers are used primarily as an accessory in the sealing of root canals, they also have an effect on the outcome of the treatment. In the past, it proved challenging to seal teeth without leaving any voids. Now, dentists are able to fill teeth more effectively, helping to ease any pain that the patient may feel and get them back to chewing right away.
Evolving dental technology
Of course, it’s not only the materials that have changed. Dental technology has progressed massively. The advent of X-rays and microscopes brought about a revolution in dental procedures.
The various tools that are now available have also pushed the envelope in terms of the precision with which dentists can perform root canals. In the past, a series of hand instruments were required just to clean teeth, making the process long and tedious.
Now, dentists have specialized instruments that give them greater flexibility and control, reducing the chances of post-operation complications. A single instrument is used to accomplish what multiple instruments and tools did in the past. The overall success rate for root canal therapy is now 98%.
Anticipating discomfort
Another big concern that people have when it comes to root canals is pain. In the early days of root canal treatments, anesthesia was underdeveloped and not incredibly helpful in reducing pain.
As with technology, however, anesthesia has now progressed to the point that it is incredibly effective. For root canals, local anesthesia is usually tried first. However, if the infection has spread too far, general anesthesia may be required to keep the entire area numb.
Expedited treatment times
In addition to concerns about pain management, many people worry about the time that the procedure takes. It is true that, in the past, root canals would take several hours to complete. Enduring such an ordeal without a suitable numbing agent sounds terrifying.
Luckily, root canals now take no more than two hours to complete, on average. This is roughly the same amount of time that crowns take. However, if you require a crown or any other restoration, you may need to come in for a subsequent visit.
What is the takeaway?
Overall, there has never been a better time to get a root canal than in 2022. While understandable, trepidations related to the procedure can become a thing of the past. At Bayview, we make your experience as relaxing as possible. Call today to find out more about your root canal with the dentists in Naples at Bayview Dental Arts.