Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

Root canal therapy is primarily associated with dental pain. But reality reveals that any pain involved in this dental procedure is not at all extreme. Also, root canals actually treat pain. This procedure is done to save a tooth that looks good on the outside but is actually rotten inside. It requires the removal of damaged or infected pulp found inside the tooth.

Thanks to current technology, anesthesia allows this dental process to be performed safely, quickly, and pain-free. It is an effective method to save the tooth.

Dental patient being examined

How Painful is a Root Canal

A root canal procedure involves treating the decayed pulp tissue inside the tooth while making sure the tooth’s remaining surface area is preserved. Since a dental patient will be provided with anesthesia prior to the procedure, pain is significantly minimized.

Possible Causes of Root Canal Pain

There are numerous reasons for root canal pain, a few of them are the following:

  • Swollen and inflamed gum tissue

    There may be instances where tiny ligament and tissue nerves remain around the tooth despite the dentist’s removal of the tooth’s root nerve. Inflammation in this area is interpreted by the body as pain or discomfort

  • Damage caused by a dental instrument

    It is a possibility that an instrument used to clean the root canal might have accidentally damaged the tooth’s surrounding tissue.

  • Too much temporary filling

    When a dentist places a temporary filling and it is left slightly high, the mouth could inadvertently bite on that high spot, causing tooth soreness. Fortunately, this discomfort can easily be corrected by lowering the filling and oftentimes, the pain naturally goes away in a day or two.

How to Treat Root Canal Pain at Home

Pain relievers or over-the-counter medications prescribed by your dentist may be sufficient to treat any pain associated with a root canal procedure. It is critical that you follow any instructions advised by your dentist. If the pain reliever prescribed doesn’t work, make sure you immediately inform your dentist. Usually, ibuprofen is recommended and can be easily purchased online.

Also, do avoid biting or chewing down with the treated tooth. The filling is sensitive and may easily break down.

Numbing the pain

The American Association of Endodontists confirms that a lot of patients feel minimal to no pain during the root canal procedure due to the numbing done to prevent any sensation of pain.

Do expect some pain and tooth sensitivity days after the treatment. Once the procedure is complete, expect the tooth to be fully functional and have no more pain.

Why You Should Have a Root Canal Therapy

When dealing with the root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed. Then the inside of the tooth is cleaned carefully and disinfected to allow the proper setting of a filling for the tooth. There are a lot of reasons to consider as to why you should have a root canal treatment:

  • Deep decay
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
  • Pain on biting
  • A crack or a chip on a tooth

Having a root canal therapy or treatment is not only done to relieve pain or treat such problems as mentioned. It is also a way to practically save your natural teeth and maintaining that natural smile. Doing so, you could retain healthy teeth that could last a lifetime. Just a reminder in undergoing a root canal or other endodontic treatment, it is always a good idea to consult a proper practitioner.

Conclusion

All in all, a root canal procedure will allow you to retain your natural teeth for as long as possible. The pulp placed in the tooth is a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Once the process is complete, you can easily resume your regular oral habits such as tooth-brushing, smiling, chewing, and flossing.

It takes a little time to understand more about root canal treatment. But as you discover misconceptions about it, you can take the first step for a healthy dental life. That means, pain-free and healthy mouth! Contact Newcastle Village Dental today to hear more about root canal therapy!

Office Hours

Mon 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Alternate)
Book Appointment

Office Hours

Mon 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wed 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Alternate)
Book Appointment