Root Canal Pain

Has your dentist recently suggested a root canal dayton oh to you and you are worried about the pain that may come with the procedure? Many people are unaware that the purpose of the root canal procedure is to treat a decayed or damaged tooth, and in most cases the procedure will help eliminate existing pain. If you think a root canal is in your near future, it may be worthwhile for you to do a little research and prepare yourself for what to expect from the procedure. Below is more information detailing a root canal from the start of the procedure through the recovery process.

The Root Canal Procedure

For many, the root canal procedure itself is not painful, and in fact is fairly easy. When the center of the tooth, the root, becomes disease or damaged, the procedure is used to remove the damaged tissue from the center of the tooth. This removal is critically important to saving a tooth that may be lost due to the spread of the disease. The pain experienced or associated with root canals that people talk about is caused by this damaged or diseased tissue and is experienced PRIOR to the procedure.

Before the procedure starts the dentist will administer anesthesia to make sure there is little discomfort experienced throughout. The procedure takes place in several steps:

  1. After the anesthesia sets in the dentist will create an opening in the infected tooth.
  2. The damaged root tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned out. Once the damaged tooth root is removed, the infection in the tooth should stop and the majority of the pain should be relieved.
  3. After the tooth center is cleaned out the dentist will fill the tooth. This step may happen at another visit if your dentist decides you need a break.
  4. After the tooth is filled the dentist will match your tooth to the appearance of the nearby teeth, either using composite or in some cases an artificial crown.

Pain After The Procedure

Once the diseased root has been removed from your tooth the source of the pain should be gone. It is expected that after the procedure there may be some residual pain or discomfort around the tooth for a few days. If you are nervous about the pain after the procedure, you should have a conversation with your dentist before the day of the procedure. Your dentist may have some ideas on how to alleviate post-procedure pain and soreness.

Why Not Pull The Tooth?

The alternative option to eliminating a decayed or diseased tooth and the pain associated with it is to completely extract the tooth. The benefit of the root canal procedure is the ability to eliminate the disease and preserve the natural tooth. Pulling a tooth also involves getting a replacement tooth installed. Artificial tooth replacement options are costly, involve additional dental procedures, and may include long term maintenance. Most dentists will recommend their patients to keep as many natural teeth as possible and try a root canal procedure prior to extracting a tooth.

More on Root Canals : What is the Root Canal Procedure?