Root canals are a rescue treatment for a severely infected or decayed tooth. Root canals are called for when an infection, which was a ‘mere toothache’ at the start, forms an abscess and expands throughout the root of the tooth. This treatment, done by an endodontist or general dentist, cleanses the insides of the tooth, and removes the nerve and pulp present inside the root canal, saving the tooth.
Some people find the thought of having a root canal intimidating. This is often caused by misconceptions and myths. This post is going to explain what root canals involve and address one of the most asked questions about having one done:
Will My Root Canal Be Painful?
It's a popular misconception that root canals are extremely painful but this isn't true. Advancements in anesthetics and technology in dental procedures have made root canal therapy almost pain- and hassle-free. Patients can look forward to shorter recovery times and less discomfort than they may have had in the past.
What Should You Expect?
A root canal procedure might not be as scary if you learn what to expect. Your dentist or endodontist will numb the area all around the tooth so you will not feel any pain. While there are some rare instances where the anesthetic might not be 100% effective when dealing with problems like abscesses, your dentist will most likely prescribe you an antibiotic seven to ten days ahead of the procedure in order to prevent them from being a problem.
When the root canal has been finished and all infection and bacteria are eliminated from the interior of the tooth, your dentist or endodontist will remove the tooth's nerve, a soothing agent will be added, and the tooth will be closed up with a temporary filling. If there is any pain or discomfort when the procedure is done, it should clear up in the next 24 hours as whatever remains of the infection is taken care of by the immune system. The area could have slight tenderness for a few days after the root canal.
What If There's Pain After the Root Canal?
When your gums are inflamed, it's possible to have discomfort or pain. While your dentist or endodontist may have removed the nerve of the tooth, the nerves in the areas surrounding it are still there, and the swollen tissue can still cause discomfort.
No matter the situation, remember that it's unusual to have more than a couple of days of pain. If this is your situation, you should call your dentist right away.
Having tooth pain that is bothering you? Contact us now to schedule an appointment to have it examined by Dr. Sachs.