The idea of a root canal comes with the preconceived notion of it being painful and uncomfortable. But the unfiltered truth is that root canals do not hurt. If anything, they offer relief from the intense pain of an infected tooth. Whether broken, chipped, or badly infested with bacteria, a root canal helps treat it all.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment. That is to say; it’s a procedure that focuses on repairing and treating the pulp of your tooth. Usually, dentists recommend a root canal when your tooth has been taken over by bacteria. This typically occurs when a cavity is left untreated for far too long, which is why root canals are preferred over regular dental fillings.
Additionally, even an injury can sometimes cause your tooth’s pulp to get damaged. However, the main purpose of a root canal is to prevent your pearly whites from suffering. It helps revive the affected tooth by removing the entire infected area on the inside, saving it from decaying and falling out. Moreover, after the surgery, you’re likely to notice a huge difference as your natural tooth becomes healthy once again.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If your mouth hurts every time you try to eat something, then there are chances it’s been infested by bacteria. However, you can’t just assume from a single bout of pain that you need a root canal. There are certain signs that can alert you of your condition, such as:
- Heightened Tooth Sensitivity
- Gums Turning Dark
- Pus-filled Sac on Gums
- Unable to Bite or Chew
- Dental Abscess
- Tender or Swollen Gums
- Tooth Discoloration
- A Crack or Chip in Your Tooth
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, you might be in need of a root canal. Your dentist will confirm the diagnosis by conducting an x-ray. If the pulp is rotten all the way through, you will be scheduled for surgery as soon as possible.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Considering how you’re put under heavy sedation during the procedure, root canals do not hurt. Your dentist will ensure the surgical site is completely numb before beginning the process. This will include drilling open your tooth to pull out the decaying pulp from inside. Once that is out, the dentist will work on disinfecting, cleaning, and shaping the tooth. This is to ensure no remaining pieces of bacteria are stuck on the sides.
Your tooth will then be sealed off with a special filling to prevent further infection. It will also help revive your tooth, allowing it to regain its health.
So, where exactly does the idea of pain come from when talking about root canals? Well, the pain is actually related to your infected tooth. It’s not the root canal treatment that hurts, but rather the tooth before getting treated. Thus, you’ll notice all the pain vanish after the procedure.
Long Story Short
To summarize, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘do root canals hurt?’ the short answer is, No. Root canals do not hurt. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but during the procedure, you’re under sedation, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. Nonetheless, for more information, or in case of scheduling an appointment, contact Smiles Forever General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (661) 666-4433 today!