Root canal therapy is a dental procedure aimed at eliminating infected or damaged pulp from a tooth’s root to alleviate pain and prevent infection. Despite being surrounded by misconceptions, the truth about root canals is far from these myths. Many patients worry about the potential pain associated with this complex dental treatment. To discover whether root canal therapy is truly painful, keep reading.
5 Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal
Tooth pain is a prevalent symptom indicating the need for root canal therapy, but dentists are attentive to other warning signs as well. Some additional indicators that your dentist will consider include:
- Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Gum bump near the affected tooth
- Tooth discoloration or darkening
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Pain when you chew or bite
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- Intense tooth pain
- Shifting teeth
- A loose tooth
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?
Undergoing root canal therapy used to be a source of great fear for many people due to concerns about pain. However, thanks to modern anesthesia and advanced dental technology, root canals are not nearly as daunting as perceived.
Prior to the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. In certain situations, dentists may even provide sedation to help patients relax. While some discomfort and sensitivity may occur during the healing process, these can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or ones prescribed by your dentist.
The procedure not only ensures a painless experience but also offers relief from the pain caused by the tooth infection. By removing the infected or damaged pulp, which contains nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, the source of discomfort is eliminated, allowing patients to feel much more comfortable after the treatment.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Treatment
Although root canal therapy is typically not painful, some individuals may still have reservations about undergoing the procedure. However, opting out of a root canal can lead to more severe oral health problems in the future. If left untreated, the infection has the potential to spread to other areas of the mouth, resulting in increased pain and further complications.
In the end, if the infected tooth is not treated with a root canal, it might even require extraction, a more invasive and expensive procedure. Root canal therapy, being a safe and effective method for treating tooth infections, is generally the preferable option to preserve oral health and prevent additional complications.
About the Practice
Dr. Chris J. Devlin is a highly skilled oral health professional offering exceptional root canal therapy services, dedicated to helping patients preserve their natural teeth and maintain optimal oral health. Dr. Devlin’s team of dental experts utilizes advanced techniques and technology, ensuring that patients with tooth infections receive safe and comfortable treatment. If you’re experiencing sensitivity or pain in one of your teeth or wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Devlin, visit his website or call his office at (814) 238-3553.