Is Root Canal Painful?

Has your dentist told you that you need a root canal?

If yes, don’t worry, you are not alone. Every year, more than 22 million teeth in the United States are treated and saved with this treatment. Though the thought of an invasive dental procedure might sound scary, root canal is actually a very uncomplicated treatment. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about root canal, and hopefully, put all your fears to rest.

1. What Is A Root Canal? Why Do I Need It?

A root canal is a procedure that is done when oral bacteria invade the pulp inside of your tooth. This generally happens when a cavity is left untreated for a long time. It may also occur when a tooth becomes cracked due to trauma. The root canal will help repair and save the infected tooth.

2. What Is The Root Canal Procedure?

Firstly, the dentists drill through the tooth and remove the inflamed or infected pulp. Then, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned using an antiseptic solution. Next, the hollow left by the removed pulp is filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha (or any of its substitutes). This acts as a permanent bandage and prevents bacteria or fluid from entering the tooth through the roots. Finally, adhesive cement is used to seal the canals.

3. How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

It depends on the amount of infection in your tooth. Basic root canals require only one appointment lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. However, severe cases may demand two appointments or more than an hour.

4. Is Root Canal Painful?

Not really. Before the procedure, the patients are given anesthesia, and the area around the infected tooth is numbed. All that you might feel is little discomfort.

5. Do I Need A Crown After A Root Canal?

A dental crown helps protect and strengthen the tooth and enables you to eat hard foods without putting too much pressure on the tooth. So, the necessity of a crown can be determined from the location of the tooth that has undergone the root canal procedure. The front teeth, like the incisors and canines, don’t generally require a crown as they undergo less stress while eating. Whereas, it is a good idea to crown the back teeth, like the premolars and premolars as they are needed more for chewing.

6. How Do I Know I Need A Root Canal?

While a dental physician is the best judge to determine whether you need a root canal or not, here are a few symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent dental pain
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold food
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Swollen or discolored gums
• Loose tooth

7. Root Canal After-Care

You will feel soreness and numbness in the mouth for 2-4 hours after the root canal procedure. So, avoid eating or drinking anything during that time. Followingly, consume only soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothie, scrambled eggs, and pasta for the rest of the day. Going forward, dental hygiene will be critical. Brush and floss every day and maintain the right diet.

8. What Is Better: Root Canal Or Tooth Extraction?

If possible, always save the natural tooth. Extract only when the tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. Also, restoring the natural tooth is less expensive and needs less healing time than an implant.

9. Does A Root Canal Weaken My Tooth?

Although a root canal results in the tooth losing its natural overall structure, the procedure saves the tooth from further decay. The filling and the crown make the tooth stronger than it was before the treatment.

10. What Happens If I Don't Get A Root Canal?

If the infected tooth is left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the jaw, brain, blood, and rest of the body and can be life-threatening.