Do you cringe when you hear the phrase “root canal?” This treatment has a bad reputation, but it’s not that much different than getting a cavity filled! Root canals relieve pain, save your tooth, and let you get back to your regular life. What should you expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
Root canals are not painful
Because of modern dentistry, root canals don’t cause pain. While most people fear them, they soon realize the procedure is nothing to worry about. Before the doctor begins a root canal, they numb the area with a local anesthetic. Using special tools, we drill a small hole in the tooth and clean out the infected tissue. Because the area is numb, you’ll feel some pressure, but it won’t hurt.
After the treatment, you might experience mild discomfort or pain for a few days. Over-the-counter medication should be all you need. If the pain gets worse or the swelling doesn’t go down, you should come back to see us. Ninety percent of root canal treatments are successful. We perform this therapy all the time, so odds are your root canal will go smoothly!
How do you know when you need a root canal?
Only a qualified dentist can determine if you need a root canal, but there are certain symptoms you might experience. Intense, throbbing tooth pain and increased sensitivity are both common signs. Your gums might become tender and swollen, as well. If you notice symptoms, make an appointment with our office as soon as you can. The sooner we can catch problems, the better.
Root canal therapy at Corvallis Dental Group
People worry that root canals cause a lot of pain, but ignoring an infected tooth is what’s really painful. Root canals relieve pain and stop infections from getting worse. If you have dental anxiety, you’re not alone! We offer sedation dentistry for patients who need it. If you have questions about root canals or suspect you might need one, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Corvallis.
