If you’ve ever experienced a tooth root infection, particularly one that leads to a periapical abscess you’ll know just how uncomfortable it can be. Pain is caused when bacteria enter the tooth via a chip or crack and penetrate deep into the tooth’s pulp, a place where the blood vessels, regenerative cells and nerves are located. The tooth pulp is housed in the tooth’s root canal system within the pulp chamber and it’s here that all the work is done to keep the tooth alive and healthy.
Often, when tooth pulp is infected it can become inflamed. As a direct response to the bacterial attack, an abscess may form to protect the area, resulting in extreme discomfort. If the abscess or inflammation is not dealt with, the infection can enter the bloodstream causing a whole host of other problems, so it’s important to treat the source of the problem quickly to remove the infection and save the tooth. This procedure is known as “endodontic therapy” or rather, a “root canal procedure”, to you and me.
One of the questions we’re often asked by patients looking to undergo this treatment is “Is a root canal painful?”. In this post, we’ll answer the question in detail but first, we need to clear something up…
When we refer to the term “root canal” we’re really talking about the procedure itself and not the place where the tooth pulp is housed. Got it? Great! Then let’s continue…
So does a root canal hurt?
In a word no! While back in the day, root canal treatment may have been an uncomfortable experience, modern technology and techniques mean that today’s treatment is relatively quick and painless.
In fact, contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is designed to alleviate pain. In most cases any sensitivity and discomfort associated with root canal infection will subside within a few days So while it’s only natural for you to feel nervous, the truth is that you needn’t be.
Here at Mint Dental, for example, we’re highly skilled in the latest endodontic treatment and strive to make your experience as comfortable and as pleasant as possible.
So how are root canals performed?
Typically, your dentist will….
- X-ray the problem area to determine where the infection is and whether root canal treatment is viable.
- Then, they will numb the gum area around the problem tooth.
- Once your dentist is sure you can’t feel anything, they’ll proceed to make a small opening at the top of the tooth to expose the canal chamber.
- Using a special tool, the canals are then cleared of infection and disinfected.
- Finally, the empty chamber is backfilled and sealed to protect the tooth.
The whole procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes from start to finish, however, more complex cases can take longer and may require more than one appointment to complete.
Once the procedure is done, your dentist may suggest a course of antibiotics.
Is a root canal painful?
Thanks to local anesthetic, you won’t feel much, if anything, during the procedure itself. Any pain stemming from the root canal typically comes from the tooth before treatment.
So what about post-procedure?
After the procedure, it’s normal for the area to feel tender for a few days until any swelling or inflammation has gone. Once inflammation has ceased, the tooth should be back to normal. If discomfort extends beyond a week, it’s important to revert back to your dentist who will investigate further.
I’ve heard the tooth dies after root canal treatment, is this true?
In a word, no! Any infected nerves that are removed from inside the tooth are insignificant so while the tooth may be weakened slightly, it’s still very much alive.
That said some people may find that the tooth needs a crown for added protection. Typically, this refers to back molars rather than front teeth but every case is different. One long-term study showed that crowns fitted to vulnerable teeth after root canal treatment resulted in a 90 survival rate after 9 years.
When you consider that the only real alternative to root canal treatment is to remove the tooth entirely, then root canal therapy is the ideal way of preserving a tooth for the long term.
Hopefully, we’ve answered the question “ Is a root canal painful” and given you some background into why endodontic treatment is performed and what you can expect. But one thing is for sure, you should never have to put up with prolonged tooth pain.
At Mint Dental, we set aside time in our busy schedule for emergency cases like severe tooth pain. But also because we’re one of only a few clinics in Alaska to have a fully qualified sedation dentist, we’re able to treat anxious or nervous patients to help them relax during procedures like root canal treatment.
If you’re currently experiencing root canal pain, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Give us a call at (907) 313 1861 or schedule an emergency appointment and we’ll do whatever we can to get you out of pain fast.
