Will it Hurt to Have My Root Canal?

Root canal treatment (also called root canal therapy) is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation that affects the soft inner tissue of the teeth. This tissue, known as the dental pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause a great deal of pain. Root canal treatment removes the infected dental pulp, thereby relieving pain.

The treatment involves removing inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth. After the damaged tissue is removed, the tooth is filled with a special material that protects it from re-infection and restores it to full function. Many patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, because the infection has been eliminated, you may find that your tooth feels better than it has in years!

Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?

A root canal is necessary when the infection has caused the pulp of a tooth to die. The pulp is the soft area inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected, the tooth can become very sensitive and even painful. This can also lead to an abscessed tooth or even a lost tooth.

Having an infected tooth can cause problems with eating or speaking properly. It can also affect the appearance of your smile. A root canal clears out all of the bacteria within the affected tooth, thus eliminating the cause of the pain and allowing normal function once again in the mouth.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery is different for everyone, but many people find that the procedure doesn’t hurt at all! Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain during your root canal procedure. If you do experience any pain or discomfort after your treatment, your dentist can recommend an over-the-counter medication to help provide pain relief. They may also prescribe an antibiotic to help reduce the risk of infection following the procedure.

After your root canal, you may notice some tenderness and sensitivity in your treated tooth and surrounding gums. This is normal and typically goes away within a few days. If you’re experiencing severe pain or lingering side effects from your root canal, call your dentist right away. He or she may recommend additional treatments to help relieve your pain and speed healing.

Many patients are surprised to find that their toothaches are gone following their procedures. Though this can vary from person to person, most patients find relief from their symptoms and enjoy restored oral health after their root canals. Talk to your dentist today to find out if a root canal could be the solution to your toothache. 

To learn more, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366.