DR. STEVEN W. HAYWOOD: CALMING ROOT CANAL FEARS

In Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, a dentist’s office is sometimes seen as a painful and scary place. Dr. Steven W. Haywood tries to discourage that image with a quality staff and qualified dentists. However, endodontic therapy, a dental procedure commonly known as a root canal, still carries a strong association with pain that sometimes keeps people from regularly visiting the dentist and tending optimally to their oral health.

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, a qualified dentist  can clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth. Your qualified dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further decay and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in just a few visits to your Maryland dental practice. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal procedure are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your local dentist in the Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, area is important and can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many people the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure.

If you are looking for a trusted and experienced dentist in the Shrewsbury, we invite you to give Dr. Steven W. Haywood a call at 717-235-3871 to schedule a consultation.