Root canal therapy: Is sedation an option?

For many people, root canals are synonymous with pain, so a number of Plano patients choose sedation dentistry as a way to manage their anxiety around the procedure.

Although root canals do have a bad reputation, much of the hype is unfounded. In fact, many patients report that root canals bring on no more discomfort than a typical cavity filling. Nonetheless, the nervous anticipation associated with the procedure can be intimidating. In such cases, patients are wise to consider sedation dentistry to help them get the care that they need.

When a patient opts for sedation dentistry, the dentist administers a sedative prior to the beginning of the procedure. This sedative, which can be delivered intravenously or in pill form, helps the patient to achieve a state of deep relaxation while remaining conscious and able to respond to the dentist’s commands.

In addition to the sedative, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic in the vicinity of the tooth targeted for the root canal. After the sedation and anesthetic have taken effect, the dentist will begin the root canal procedure, which involves removing the infected pulp and nerve core from the inner tooth and replacing it with an inert rubber compound. In most cases, a crown is also placed on the tooth to stabilize it further. Patients can choose sedation dentistry for that treatment as well.

Patients who take advantage of sedation dentistry also have no recollection of the procedure, which is another benefit of this technique.
Additionally, if you have a particularly complex case, sedation dentistry may help your dentist perform the root canal in just one appointment. With sedation dentistry, the patient can tolerate longer procedures.

If your dentist has indicated that a root canal is necessary to treat advanced decay or nerve damage in your case, it’s important to have that procedure in order to save the tooth. Don’t let your fear keep you out of the dentist’s chair. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 to see if sedation dentistry is the right choice for you.