Is a Root Canal Painful?

November 26, 2020 12:42 am

Brunette woman smiles before receiving root canal therapy in Temple Terrace, FL Many patients worry if root canal treatment is painful. In this blog post, we aim to put your fears to rest!

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

The procedure itself is not painful because we use an anesthetic to numb the affected area. What is truly painful is leaving severe tooth decay untreated! This can result in bad breath, infection, tooth loss, bone loss, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and malnutrition. During the recovery process, you may notice some discomfort in that area. Any sensitivity should go away within a few days.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

It may further ease your concerns to know what exactly happens during root canal therapy. Once you are numbed and comfortable, root canal treatment starts with creating a small hole to reach the center of your tooth. The damaged or infected pulp is removed and your tooth is cleaned out. Then, a special substance called gutta-percha is inserted. This material acts as a bandage and prevents further infection from occurring. Finally, you may get fitted with a realistic-looking dental crown to give your tooth strength.

Signs You Might Need Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is not something to put off. If you’re in pain, it’s best to receive treatment as soon as possible! Delaying treatment will only prolong your pain and increase the damage to your mouth. Untreated tooth decay will only get worse. If we are unable to treat your tooth early enough, we may not be able to save it. This means we’ll need to extract it to preserve your jawbone, gum tissue, and other teeth. If you notice any of these signs, call us!
  • Throbbing pain localized in one tooth
  • New and sudden onset of oral pain
  • Pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Sores on your gums
  • Swollen gums

Preserve Your Teeth at Henson Family Dental

Our team can perform root canal therapy at Henson Family Dental in Temple Terrace, FL. If you’re experiencing any tooth pain, contact us today to let us know your concerns! We’ll schedule an exam to determine what’s happening so we can come up with a personalized treatment plan. CONTACT US