While a root canal can be incredibly beneficial for your dental health, recovery takes time. Many people are afraid that the recovery period is very painful. So much so that they try to avoid getting a root canal all together. But what’s the truth about root canal pain?
Is a root canal painful?
You’d be happy to know that while you should expect some discomfort after a root canal treatment, you shouldn’t expect excessive pain. This discomfort is also temporary and should feel better within a few days. In fact, a root canal is actually meant to help you avoid the pain that occurs when you have a decaying tooth.
One of the reasons some people are afraid of root canals is because, in the past, they were quite painful. However, modern technology and anesthetics can make this procedure quick and relatively pain free. According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients are six times more likely to describe a root canal as painless than patients who have a tooth extraction.
Root canal procedure & recovery
A root canal treatment is a procedure in which your dentist removes an inflamed or infected pulp inside your tooth. This is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and then sealed. This gets rid of the bacteria to prevent reinfection of your tooth and also saves your natural tooth.
There’s a few steps that occur during the root canal process:
- Anesthetic: In order to prevent pain during the procedure a local anesthetic will be injected into your gums. This will cause a sharp pinch that passes quickly.
- Remove infected tissues: Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will open the top of your tooth and remove the infected and injured tissues from the tooth and clean it. They will also fill your tooth with medicated material.
- Cap the tooth: Since your tooth was opened, your dentist will then cap the tooth after it’s been cleaned with a restoration (such as a dental crown) and return it to its original shape.
- Recovery: After the root canal treatment, which usually just takes one or two visits to the office, you’ll be in recovery mode, which as stated, should be relatively painless, especially if you’re taking over-the-counter medication.
How can I manage the discomfort?
In general, taking over-the-counter pain medication should also help alleviate the discomfort that you feel initially after the treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid hard foods in the beginning until your pain eases.
Your dentist should also give you instructions on post-procedure management, so make sure to follow those carefully.
When should you get help?
You should see the discomfort decrease within the few days after the treatment. If the pain doesn’t get better or is swelling, visit your dentist for an evaluation. They may prescribe you pain relievers that are stronger than over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, they may need to open the tooth again.
Tooth care post treatment
While good oral care is always important for your health, it’s especially important after a root canal to protect the restoration. Here are some things you can do for your oral health:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and be careful around the tooth in the days after the treatment.
- Floss once a day.
- Avoid hard foods and eat foods that require less chewing.
- Eat less foods and drinks that are high in sugar.
- Get regular teeth cleanings (generally once every six months)
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for a dentist in Burbank, CA
If you are experiencing signs that you may need a root canal, come visit our dentist office in Burbank, CA! Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. He even teaches other dentists around the world these techniques. Check out our Google reviews and make an appointment at our office!
