What are the hardest teeth to do root canals on?

Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, has an unfortunate reputation. Say the words, and most people conjure up images of highly uncomfortable, invasive treatment. In reality, however, root canals are simple, safe, procedures that involve little discomfort. They are an important part of restorative dentistry because they can often save even severely damaged teeth.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers gentle, minimally invasive root canal therapy in a relaxing environment. The entire team at our Duncan, OK, office is committed to patient comfort, and we will work hard to put you at ease. Moreover, we know that endodontic treatment is often shrouded in misconceptions. That’s why we are always happy to answer your questions prior to treatment.

Read on to learn more about root canal therapy. Then contact us to schedule your appointment.

What are the hardest teeth to do root canals on?

During a root canal, Dr. Bridges will need to clean out the inside of your tooth and your root canals, removing any bacteria and decayed tissue. Therefore, molars, which can have as many as four roots, are typically more difficult than front teeth, which usually only have one. Moreover, in rare cases, some molars could have four curved, C-shaped roots.

Because of the complexity of molar root canals, it’s important to find a doctor with the necessary skills and expertise. Dr. Bridges has been performing endodontic treatment for years and is renowned for his gentle touch. Plus, our office is outfitted with state-of-the-art digital imaging. Our technology will allow Dr. Bridges to obtain an incredibly detailed understanding of your root canal anatomy.

Are root canals painful?

One of the biggest misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it is extremely uncomfortable. In reality, most people feel only a slight sense of pressure during treatment. Your tooth will be numbed before Dr. Bridges begins, and we also offer nitrous oxide if you are feeling particularly anxious.

Do root canals have health risks?

In the early 1900s, poor research spawned claims that root canal therapy can have serious health consequences, such as heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. Subsequent, more thorough studies have shown these claims to be false. In fact, root canal therapy is one of the most successful dental treatments, with a success rate between 86 and 98%.

What is the advantage of a root canal over extraction?

Because a root canal does involve significant restructuring of your tooth, it may seem like a better idea to simply have an extraction. But this does not take into account the health or financial consequences of a missing tooth. When you are missing even one tooth, you can experience significant jawbone shrinkage, leading to further tooth loss.

The only way to prevent bone and tooth loss is to receive a dental implant. While implants are a great option when tooth loss is inevitable, they involve a lengthier treatment process than root canal therapy does to begin with.