What about those root canals?

Michael Lose, D.D.S.
Family Dentist Tree We'd like to start this post off with a joke from our very own Dr. Michael Lose. Question: What is a dentist's favorite waterway? Answer: A root canal, of course! Ask anyone, and they will tell you that root canals are nothing to laugh about. As a matter of fact, Hollywood loves to demonize the root canal wherever it can in movies and T.V. shows. The truth be told, nobody wants to have a root canal. But when you have a toothache, root canal treatment can be a life-saver and a "tooth-saver." Two or three generations ago, dentists would extract a bad tooth. With today's root canal (endodontic therapy), we can save most teeth and relieve pain, usually in one appointment. Local anesthetic (Novocain) is used to totally numb the tooth, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. The nerve and blood supply (pulp) is removed with special instruments. The resulting canal is cleaned and filled. Many times, a crown is placed on the tooth for added strength after a root canal. Take heart if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal. It's not as bad as you've been led to believe!