Is Getting a Root Canal Really That Bad?

A root canal treatment can be intimidating. The treatment has a reputation for being painful and uncomfortable. However, advancements in dentistry have provided many effective pain management options and getting a root canal no longer has to be a painful experience.

What is a root canal?

In a nutshell, a root canal is a procedure that removes the damaged tissue and nerves from your tooth. It’s similar to a filling, but instead of just removing the decay, it repairs the nerve as well. The nerve is what causes the pain that a toothache brings. Once the tooth is repaired, you can go back to eating all the foods you want without having to worry about tooth pain coming back!

Unfortunately, many people see the word “root canal” and immediately think that it’s a painful process because it involves removing parts of their tooth...and yes, it can be a little uncomfortable, but ultimately painless if you choose the right dentist to perform the procedure. At my dental office, we always thoroughly numb the area where the procedure is to be performed to make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Plus, we’re always happy to answer any questions you might have to help ease any fears you have about coming to the dentist.

What happens during a root canal?

The root canal process begins with removing all decay and infected tooth pulp from the tooth’s interior. Then, the decayed areas of the tooth are cleaned and disinfected before being filled with biocompatible material. Lastly, the tooth is sealed with a dental crown to protect it from further damage and restore its function.

While the procedure may sound intimidating and painful, it’s actually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling! And thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, the entire process can be completed in just one appointment, so you can get back to your normal routine in no time.

Will I need a crown after getting a root canal?

Getting a root canal does involve some pain and discomfort while the tooth is being repaired, but the procedure itself is actually quite beneficial. The procedure itself is able to eliminate the presence of infection in the tooth by cleaning out the pulp chamber and replacing it with a material called gutta-percha, which is essentially rubbery filling material that will help prevent further infection.

Because canals are very small, it can sometimes be difficult to ensure that the entire canal has been cleaned out. If there are still remnants of the infection left in the canal, you are at risk of getting an abscessed tooth – an infection that can cause swelling of the gums around the root of the affected tooth.

Although rare, in some instances, if the infection is not treated properly, it can spread to other parts of the body and become dangerous. This is why it is important to get proper care from an experienced dentist, who will be able to effectively clean out the canal of any remaining infection or bacteria. Afterward, they can restore the tooth with a crown that will protect it from further damage and ensure that you can have a fully functional and pain-free smile again.

Plus, once your crown is placed, it will look and feel just like a normal tooth. Therefore, you can once again eat all of your favorite foods with your new crown in place!

If you have additional questions about root canals or you’re ready to schedule a consultation with our skilled team, please contact our office today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule your next appointment with us.