DO ROOT CANAL PROCEDURES HURT?

A root canal is a dental procedure to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from a tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. Once a tooth has had a root canal, it can function normally. Pulp is the soft tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

What Does A Root Canal Procedure Do?

The purpose of a root canal procedure is to remove the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth and treat the affected area. The removal of this infection helps relieve pain, prevent further decay, and preserve the overall health of your mouth. Root canal procedures also allow you to keep your natural tooth rather than having to lose the tooth and replace it with an implant or other restoration.

During a root canal procedure, your dentist gently removes the pulp from the inside of the tooth before cleaning and disinfecting the area. A protective material is placed inside the tooth to seal the area and prevent further damage or infection. In most cases, a dental crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function.

The actual process of a root canal procedure does not hurt because a local anesthetic is used during the treatment. However, some pain and discomfort may be experienced following the treatment as the anesthetic wears off. This pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Your dentist may also recommend a special mouth rinse to help soothe the treated area.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an infected tooth, you should call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment for a root canal procedure. The pain caused by a diseased tooth will not go away on its own and will only continue to get worse over time. Failure to treat the problem can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. 

Are Root Canal Treatments Painful?

Patients often ask, “Do root canals hurt?” Your dentist answers this question with a firm “No!” With today’s advanced endodontic techniques, patients can expect a comfortable, virtually pain-free experience during their dental treatments. In fact, with advances in anesthesia used during the procedure and after-care instructions, many patients report feeling better than they did before their endodontic treatment!

If a root canal is necessary to restore your oral health, this means that your dentist is saving a tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted. Saving your natural teeth is important not only for your dental health but also for your overall well-being. To restore and maintain the health of your smile, visit us and take advantage of comfortable and effective oral health care from our team. Contact our office to schedule your appointment today!