You have been told you need a root canal to save your tooth, and you wonder if you’re concerned that the root canal treatment will involve an unpleasant experience. In the past, patients were known for being afraid of undergoing root canals. It is only natural for you to feel that the upcoming treatment is likely to cause you pain or discomfort.
What is a root canal?
A root canal therapy (endodontic procedure) is a dental procedure used to remove an infection from the pulp, save the tooth, and prevent reinfection. Utilizing this procedure will help save your natural tooth, alleviate pain, and allow your teeth to improve your health once again.
When do you need a root canal?
You may need a root canal for a fractured or chipped tooth, decay from untreated cavities, or issues at your previous filling. The following are the symptoms of you may require root canal therapy:
- Tooth sensitivity (particularly to cold and hot sensations)
- Severe pain while biting or chewing
- Bumps or pimple-like bumps on the gum
- Darkening of the gums or deep decay
- Tender or swollen gums
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- An abscessed tooth
Important: You need to address the root canal as soon as possible. That’s because the infection can spread and cause issues beyond your mouth.
How long do root canals take?
The most standard root canal treatment typically lasts half an hour to an hour, but that timeframe can range depending on the complexity of the root canal treatment. The procedure typically requires at least two appointments.
How are root canals performed?
To help determine whether a root canal treatment will be possible, your dentist or an endodontic specialist may x-ray your teeth. Afterward, your dentist will numb your gums near the tooth with a local anesthetic for pain relief.
When you feel your tooth becoming numb, your dentist will make a small hole in the topmost layer of the enamel to access the affected pulp. In this pulp, you’ll find blood vessels, sensitive nerves, and plaque, which your dentist will remove before thoroughly cleaning all tooth canals in your mouth. Your dentist will apply injections of antibiotics to disinfect your tooth and to prevent reinfection.
After your root canal cleaning, your dentist will wrap up the procedure by filling and sealing your tooth. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics and over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the lingering unpleasant effects of root canal treatment.
Does it hurt?
You won’t feel any pain during the root canal procedure due to the local anesthesia that dentist’s use. The pain experienced by root canal patients is due to the fact that the infected tooth is the root cause of your discomfort. The fact is that the root canal infection itself is the sole reason for the pain. Painful root canals are a myth.
You may feel a little pressure on your tooth during the procedure but nothing more than that.
You’ll likely experience mild to moderate pain and soreness for a few days after the procedure. This pain is common and you can manage it with pain medications. Be sure to contact your dentist if the pain lasts beyond a week.
Learn more about root canal therapy here.Do Root Canals Hurt?
See Dentist For Life
Looking for an experienced and trusted dentist in Marysville, Ohio? Look no further than Dentist For Life! We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We take a wide variety of insurance plans and are currently accepting new patients. You can reach us at (937) 707-1111 or schedule your appointment online here.
