Are Root Canals Painful?

The pain associated with a eden prairie root canal procedure has built up quite the bad reputation. Many people associate the idea of a root canal procedure with the worst possible discomfort; I’m sure we’ve all heard the negative retort, “I’d rather have a root canal,” and perhaps you’ve even heard tales of horror from friends or family members who have undergone the procedure. While it is possible that at one time, the root canal procedure was considered legitimately painful, and at one time, these horror stories may have been warranted, according to today’s dental experts, these perceptions are no longer based on reality.

To better understand this, it’s important to know that the root canal treatment procedure itself isn’t the source of the pain experienced in most cases. Thanks to advances in surgical technology and anesthesia methods, the actual root canal treatment procedure is comparable, pain-wise, to a simple cavity filling. Though the duration of a root canal procedure may be greater than a cavity filling, the discomfort is about the same. In most cases, in fact, the pain associated with a root canal procedure is caused by the tooth itself. The presence of infected and damaged pulp inside a tooth can cause intense pain, especially if left unattended for a significant period of time, as infection worsens if unaddressed. As the infection itself is the source of pain, a root canal treatment procedure, which removes this damaged tissue, will thereby relieve the pain. Following a root canal treatment procedure, the area around the treated tooth may be sore for a short time, but your dentist can prescribe pain-relieving medication to help relieve this soreness, and most people are able to resume their regular routine almost immediately.

You might think it’s better to just pull the infected tooth and replace it with an implant or a bridge, but most dentists agree that it’s preferable, whenever possible, for patients to keep as many of their natural teeth as they can. This maintains the mechanics and structural integrity of the mouth and jaw. Root canal treatment procedures are one of the simpler ways dentists can help you keep your natural teeth, removing only the damaged pulp instead of the whole tooth and sparing the cost and stress of an extraction procedure. The best way to reduce the pain associated with a root canal treatment procedure is to schedule an appointment with your dentist as early as possible when you start to feel any sensitivity or discomfort in a focused area of your mouth. Catching an infection and performing a pulpectomy early can prevent considerable discomfort with a simple, routine procedure. Remember, it’s the infection that causes the pain, and not the procedure itself; the longer you avoid the procedure, the more the tooth may hurt. Of course, the most effective way to prevent oral pain is by routinely scheduling and undergoing professional dental cleanings, as well as remembering to floss daily and brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, but if pain or sensitivity does arise, be sure to talk to your dentist as soon as you can.

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