Are Root Canals Painful?

When your dentist informs you that a root canal is needed, it can be alarming. “Are root canals painful?” you wonder. Do you have any other options? The truth is you shouldn’t fear this procedure. It is very common, and with modern dental techniques and anesthetics, you won’t be dealing with excruciating pain. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist in East Islip about what you can expect with this treatment.

What Is a Root Canal?

It’s a common procedure that saves millions of infected teeth every year. During this treatment, your dentist will create an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp and nerves at the center. Next, they will clean out the inside and seal it to prevent future infection.

This also keeps the current infection from spreading to other areas in the mouth and causing more serious, painful issues. Plus, it is necessary to save the tooth. Otherwise, an extraction would likely be required. After the root canal procedure, your dentist may opt to place a crown to further protect your tooth.

How Painful Is a Root Canal?

When you need a root canal, the pain at that point is typically much more significant than the root canal procedure itself. Root canals actually relieve the pain you are feeling as a result of your infection or abscessed tooth.

During the procedure, you should feel little-to-no discomfort because your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. It is possible to experience some minor pain and sensitivity for a few days following your treatment, but you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the discomfort.

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?

Root canals are very common, but you will need to see your dentist to find out if you need one for sure. Here are a few symptoms that could indicate you have an infected or abscessed tooth:

• Lingering tooth sensitivity often related to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Pimples on the gums
• Deep decay
• Darkened gums
• Swollen or painful gums

So, are root canals painful? Thanks to modern dentistry, this treatment won’t be unbearable to say the least. In fact, your procedure will be over swiftly to provide the pain relief you seek!

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, you can entrust your smile to a dedicated team of dental experts, and we’re open seven days a week with evening hours available. With six dentists on staff, we are ready to assist with any of your oral health needs. Also, we’ll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. If you have a particularly bad toothache, we can determine during a consultation if root canal therapy could help you. Schedule one on our website or call (631) 581-8600.