Your dentist has told you that you would need a root canal to get rid of an infection and to save your tooth. You immediately think, will this be a painful experience? In the past, root canals were known for being quite painful. Of course, you are nervous about the procedure. However, you can rest assured that the root canal treatment will be painless and simple.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes an infection from the pulp, saves the tooth, and prevents reinfection. This procedure is used to save the natural tooth, relieve pain, and make your teeth healthy again.
When Is A Root Canal Necessary?
If a tooth has been chipped or cracked, has deep decay from an untreated cavity, or any issues arising from a previous filling, you will need a root canal.
The following are symptoms you may experience if you need a root canal treatment:
- Tooth sensitivity (hot or cold sensations)
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- Bumps or pimple-like bumps on the gum
- Darkening of the gums or deep decay
- Tender or swollen gums
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- An abscessed tooth
It is imperative to address the root canal as soon as possible because you do not want the infection to spread beyond your mouth and cause other issues.
How Long Does A Root Canal Take?
Usually, a root canal takes around 30-60 minutes to finish. More complex cases could take up to 90 minutes or more. This treatment requires an appointment or two to complete.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
First, your dentist or endodontist will take an x-ray of your teeth to figure out if this procedure is a viable treatment for your tooth. They will also check to see if the infection has spread to any other areas. Next, your dentist will use a small amount of numbing medication to numb the gum before injecting a local anesthetic into your gums. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will access the infected pulp by making a small opening in the top of your tooth. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and bacteria that will all need to be removed before your dentist cleans all the canals in your tooth. Then your dentist will coat the entire area with antibiotics to disinfect it and prevent reinfection. Once the canals have been disinfected and cleaned, your dentist will fill and seal your tooth. You may also be prescribed antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medication to avoid pain after the root canal.
Will It Hurt?
Thanks to the local anesthetic, you will not feel any pain during the root canal procedure. Pain associated with root canal treatments usually comes from the tooth itself before being treated. Once the infection is removed, the pain usually subsides. It is a myth that root canals are painful.
Even if you choose not to use anesthesia, you should not feel pain during your root canal treatment. The dental professionals here at Torbeck Dental use anesthesia to numb the tooth to avoid the slight possibility of pain. You may feel pressure on your tooth but should not feel pain.
There will most likely be some discomfort and mild pain for a few days following the procedure. This is normal and can be managed with pain medications. If the pain lasts more than a week, you should visit your dentist.
Contact us (859) 586-7900 for more information or to make an appointment!
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About Torbeck Dental
Torbeck Dental treats every patient with dignity and excellent care. We are highly trained dental professionals with exceptionally friendly and helpful service. We understand that for many, visiting a dentist can be a stressful experience so our comfortable surroundings and compassionate staff will ease any fears you may have. We are here to help you achieve your happiest and healthiest smile! Our dental team are a group of experienced professionals using the latest treatments. Our team has the professional experience to realize that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all treatment, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach to your dental plan. We provide quality and personalized oral health care while keeping your individuality in mind. Our goal is to improve and maintain your oral health so you can smile with confidence!