For some reason, root canals have gotten a little bit of a bad rap—most people associate them with pain and misery, but that reputation isn’t even remotely deserved! As a matter of fact, there are a lot of misunderstandings about how root canals make people feel. If you have one coming up soon, here’s some more information about them.
Are Root Canals Painful?
If you’re getting a root canal in the year 2023, there’s virtually no chance of experiencing any pain at all. Modern anesthetics are incredibly powerful; within seconds, your dentist can numb your entire mouth completely. Not only will you not have any pain, but you’re also unlikely to feel much of anything at all.
There certainly was a time when anesthetics were not as strong, and as a result root canals were fairly uncomfortable. That may be the reason why they have this reputation.
How is Root Canal Aftercare?
While the procedure itself is entirely painless, some people worry just as much about discomfort after the treatment. Fortunately, root canal aftercare is pretty easily managed.
Root canals are usually topped off with a dental crown, which will result in a little bit of sensitivity once the treatment is complete. However, this really shouldn’t be too much to worry about; any discomfort you feel should be easily dealt with by over-the-counter medications, and should fade after a few days.
The Merits of a Root Canal
If your dentist says that you need a root canal, it’s likely because you have an infection that has crept deep within the pulp of the tooth, called pulpitis. Such a tooth is likely on the verge of death, and the only other option for it is an extraction.
Extractions require a lot of uncomfortable aftercare, which makes root canals the safer and more comfortable option by far. Now that you know that root canals are nothing to be scared of, you might actually appreciate them!
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay is a dentist who goes the extra mile to ensure that each of her patients gets high-quality, comfortable dental care. Whenever her patients meet her, they can immediately tell how passionate she is about her work. Dr. Ramsay received her degree in General Dentistry from Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She’s also a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
If you have any questions about root canal treatment, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (503) 472-1402.