What I Learned From My Root Canal Treatment

From the Practice Blog · Originally published May 2, 2018

If you are dealing with a badly-decayed tooth that has an infected pulp, a root canal treatment is usually your best option to save the tooth. Your other option will be to extract the tooth, which will also result in needing cosmetic dentistry to fill the empty space with an artificial tooth.

Simply hearing the term "root canal" sends shivers down many people's spines. In reality, the root canal is actually a rather straightforward process that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.  

Your dentist starts the treatment by injecting you with an anesthetic, then drills a hole in the tooth. Next, the dentist removes the pulp and nerves. The dentist will then apply medicine before sealing the hole.

Here are 4 facts you need to know about a root canal treatment:

1. There's virtually no-pain involved

Despite its reputation as one of those scary dental procedures that you want to avoid at all costs, there is no significant pain associated with root canals. The scariest part of the entire treatment is the injection of a local anesthetic. This anesthetic typically is not necessary if the nerve of the tooth is already dead from the infection.

The only thing you will feel during the procedure is pressure from your dentist working on your teeth and vibrations from some of the tools.

2. You're back to normal when the procedure is complete

When you go for major dental treatments like root canals and extractions, you typically expect the side of your mouth of the root canal to be out of commission for at least a few weeks. However, that is not the case with root canals. Once your treatment is complete, you are free to go back to eating and cleaning your mouth as you normally would. Of course, you do not want to do anything that can damage your newly-repaired teeth like chewing on ice or hard candies.

3. Crowns are used to protect the tooth

After a root canal procedure, a crown will protect the newly-repaired tooth. A tooth that needs a root canal is already weak from decay. Thus, it is often best to protect it from further damage with a crown. That way, you can go back to eating all of your favorite foods without having to worry about the tooth being exposed to more decay.

4. Prescription painkillers aren't needed

It might come as a surprise to you when your treatment is complete and your dentist sends you on your merry way without prescribing any painkillers. There is no pain associated with the procedure, and you should not experience any afterward.

If you do experience some soreness, over-the-counter painkillers are strong enough to help you alleviate it. If you experience intense or persistent pain after a root canal procedure, contact your dentist immediately. Contact your dentist to learn more about root canal treatments.

Please call Advanced Family Dentistry today at (520) 293-9277 or go to https://www.tucsonazdentistry.com for more information!