Are Root Canals Painful? Insights from a Family Dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago
Have you recently been told that you need a root canal to save your tooth and get rid of an infection? If so, you might be nervous that the procedure is going to be painful. Many people have heard that root canals are painful, so it’s reasonable to be concerned about your upcoming procedure. However, a root canal procedure from a reputable family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago is not always a painful experience. We are going to explain more below.
What is a root canal?
A root canal (also known as an endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure used to remove the infected pulp, save the tooth, and prevent reinfection. This procedure will help protect your natural tooth, ease discomfort, and restore the health of your teeth.
When is a root canal necessary?
A root canal may be required if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, significant decay from an untreated cavity, or complications from a prior filling.
The following are some of the most common symptoms that you may face if you need root canal treatment in Norwood Park, Chicago:
- Sensitive teeth
- Toothache during biting or chewing
- Bumps or boils on gums
- Black gums
- Tender or sore gums
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Dental abscess
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago to complete — with more complicated cases taking up to 90 minutes or more. The process usually takes one or two appointments to complete.
How is a root canal performed?
To perform a root canal, your family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago will order a dental x-ray to see if the treatment is possible and if the infection has migrated to other areas of your mouth. Your dentist will then inject a local anesthetic into your gums near your affected tooth.
After numbing your tooth, your Norwood Park dentist will access the afflicted pulp by creating a small incision in the crown. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and bacteria, which your dentist will remove before thoroughly cleaning all the canals inside the tooth’s root. Your dentist will then apply antibiotics to the affected area to disinfect it and prevent reinfection.
After disinfecting and cleaning the canals, your dentist will complete the treatment by filling and sealing your tooth. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers to avoid pain after a root canal.
Does the root canal hurt?
Because dentists use local anesthetic, you will not feel any pain throughout the root canal treatment. The tooth itself is what causes the pain associated with root canal procedures. The truth is that getting rid of the infection takes care of the pain. So, the idea that root canals are painful procedures is often misguided.
Even if no anesthetic is administered, you should not experience any pain throughout your root canal procedure. To be on the safe side, Smile Innovation’s dental specialists use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and eliminate any possibility of pain. You may feel some pressure on your tooth during the procedure, but nothing more.
You will most likely feel some pain and discomfort for a few days following the treatment. This type of pain and discomfort is normal for a short period and can be managed with pain relievers. It is worth mentioning that if the pain persists for more than a week, you should see your Norwood Park family dentist.
Looking for a Family Dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago?
Have you been experiencing the symptoms of a root canal, or have you have been told that you need a root canal procedure? If so, and if you’re looking for the top-rated family dentist in Norwood Park, Chicago, Dr. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovation are here to help. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to schedule an appointment.