When you’re experiencing toothaches that seem to go deep into their roots, then you’re likely dealing with tooth decay. This calls for one of the most popular dental procedures called a root canal, an effective treatment that can save your tooth and prevent infections from spreading. Despite being highly recommended for treating severe dental issues, root canals receive plenty of bad rep since many people think it’s a painful procedure.
What Happens in a Root Canal Procedure?
Many people think that root canal treatments are painful since it involves your endodontist removing the rotten pulp inside your tooth. They’ll also follow up with a thorough clean-up, disinfection, and re-shaping before sealing the gaping hole in your infected tooth, all of which sounds terrifying to unsuspecting patients.
As for the process, root canal therapy is done in three steps:
1) Cleaning the Root Canal – this process focuses on removing everything contributing to the rotting inside your root canal, so expect to go under local anesthesia at this stage.
2) Filling the Root Canal – after removing all the gunk and dead pulp tissues, the next step involves cleaning, shaping, and decontaminating the hollow area. You won’t feel any pain despite the seemingly invasive procedure since the tooth is already dead, plus you’re also under anesthesia, so you will be numb throughout the process.
3) Adding a Crown or Filling in the Root Canal – adding a crown or filling to the whole protects the tooth, restoring your tooth to its original function. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t bite or chew on the affected tooth until the crown or filling is complete, which should typically be done within one appointment.Complications such as having curved root canals, multi-canals, or larger infections may call for two additional appointments.
How Painful Is Root Canal Therapy?
The entire process of cleaning and filling the root canal should be relatively painless. However, it’s understandable to assume that it will be an excruciating process due to the intense pain the untreated root canal creates.
But once the root canal receives proper treatment, all the pain should be eased, though it’s normal to experience some tenderness as you heal from the procedure. Taking OTC pain medications should help manage the discomfort as you recover.
The Bottom Line: Dispelling Your Fear and Misconceptions About Root Canal Treatments for a Speedier Recovery
Struggling with deep-seated tooth decay can be deadly for your oral health, so a root canal treatment offers a permanent solution that can ease your dental problems. While root canal often scares patients away, modern dental practices use techniques to ensure you won’t feel any discomfort throughout the procedure.
Are You Looking for the Affordable Dentist in Edmonton, AB, for Your Dental Needs?
Dealing with oral issues can be painful and expensive, but seeking treatment with Home of Smiles Dental Clinic can address all your dental problems with ease. We’re a family dental clinic servicing patients of all ages across Edmonton, from root canal therapy, urgent dental care, wisdom tooth removal, general and family care, and more!
Contact us today and see what our dentists can do to restore the confidence in your smile.