Are Root Canals Painful?

When your dentist tells you that you need a root canal in order to save your tooth, you may be overcome with dread and fear. Aren’t root canals painful? Is this your only option? The truth is that you shouldn’t be worrying about the procedure. With modern dental technology and anesthetics, you shouldn’t have any severe pain. It is usually no worse than getting a deep filling. Any discomfort after the procedure can usually be relieved by an over the counter pain killer like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about what you can expect for your root canal in Fort Worth.

What Is a Root Canal?

This is a common procedure that saves millions of infected teeth each year. During this treatment, your dentist will create an opening in the tooth in order to remove the infected pulp and nerve at the center. Afterwards he will clean out this inside and seal it in order to prevent future infection. This prevents the infection from spreading to other areas in the mouth and causing much more serious, and painful issues. It also is necessary in order to save the tooth. Otherwise, an extraction would likely have to take place. After the root canal procedure, your dentist may opt to place a crown in order to further protect your tooth.

How Painful Are Root Canals?

Needing a root canal procedure is much more painful than the root canal itself. In fact, root canals will actually relieve the pain that you are feeling as a result of your infected or abscessed tooth. During the actual procedure, you should feel little to no discomfort because your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. It is possible to experience some mild pain and sensitivity for a few days following your treatment, but by using over the counter painkillers, you will be able to relieve the discomfort.

What Are the Signs that I Need a Root Canal?

Root canalled are very common and there are a variety of signs that indicate that you may need to have one performed by your dentist. Here are a few symptoms of infected and abscessed teeth:

• Lingering tooth sensitivity that is often related to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Pimples on the gums
• Deep decay
• Darkened gums
• Swollen or painful gums

You don’t need to dread your root canal procedure. With modern dental technology, it will be over in no time with minimal discomfort.

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan has been serving patients in Fort Worth for over four decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center and is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. He performs root canal therapy as one of his services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 732-5522.