How To Overcome Anxiety About Root Canal Treatment

18/09/2023

How To Overcome Anxiety About Root Canal Treatment

If you have a fear of the dentist, you may find yourself avoiding coming to see us for routine checkups. These appointments help us spot the early warning signs of cavities, gum disease, and dental infections. 

So often, sensitivity or toothache causes more anxiety. What if you need treatment? Sometimes your fears can stop you from getting help early. Ignoring weakening enamel and cavities can leave your teeth susceptible to infection. And, when bacteria enter your teeth, the pain can be unbearable. 

Once dental infections take hold, your teeth are at risk. A root canal treatment is the best option. But if you have dental phobia, this procedure may cause severe anxiety. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to fight your fears and receive essential root canal treatment to preserve your smile and restore oral health. 

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure to remove infected matter inside a tooth.

When a damaged tooth becomes infected, the living cells inside become inflamed. Because your teeth have nerve endings, the inflammation causes considerable pain. 

We provide local anaesthetic before the procedure so you won’t experience any pain. 

After removing the infection, we’ll fill the core of your tooth with something called gutta-percha. This is a natural latex-like substance. Finally, we’ll repair the tooth with a filling. We may suggest coming back to see us to have a crown fitted. 

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Many people believe root canal treatments are painful or uncomfortable experiences. In reality, the procedure itself is painless. The only pain associated with root canal treatment is any that you’ll feel before the procedure or if you choose to avoid coming to see us. 

Dental infections don’t clear up on their own. The pain may subside for a short time if it’s not treated quickly. But this only happens because the tooth has died. The infection will then continue to spread, causing abscesses, tooth loss, and problems with other teeth, your gums, and your jaws. 

Infections can sometimes spread to other parts of your body via the bloodstream and become sepsis, a potentially fatal illness. 

When you have a root canal treatment, any pain will be gone immediately after the procedure. 

How Do You Overcome Anxiety Before Root Canal Treatment?

We know dental phobia is a very real problem for many patients. If you’re experiencing fear or anxiety, these are valid issues, and we want to work with you to manage them. 

Talk To Us

Telling us about your dental anxiety is the first step. When getting in touch to book your appointment, let us know. We’ll take the time to discuss your worries, the procedure, and create a custom treatment plan that lets us work at your pace. 

Bring Someone

You don’t have to come alone. Having a friend, family member, or partner with you during your treatment can help you feel at ease. 

Use Distractions

During your treatment, watching or listening to something can take your mind off what’s happening around you. Bring a device with noise-cancelling headphones and play your favourite music. 

Practice Mindfulness

Deep breathing and grounding techniques can help reduce anxiety during stressful moments. Before your appointment, go online and try a few mindfulness and grounding techniques to find out what works for you. Many patients find body scanning and box breathing reduce anxiety and help prevent feelings of panic. 

Book Your Appointment

If you’re experiencing pain and sensitivity in your teeth, don’t leave it to chance. Our friendly team is here to help you overcome your dental anxiety and get the care you need. 

Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you take the next steps. 

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