According to dental and oral health studies in the US, dentists perform nearly 15 million root canal treatments every year. Moreover, there is surmounting evidence regarding the people who choose to avoid adequate dental care in case of oral health concerns!
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Being unaware does not mean that you are bound to ignore certain aspects of your physical health. In fact, learning about the common problems, treatments, and symptoms can assist you in maintaining your physical health. Are you wondering if your dental care needs pertain to root canals and whether they hurt or not? Well, you are in the right place to gather facts and knowledge.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures that occurs almost 15 million times annually in the US. This common dental procedure entails removing the infected pulp (soft center tissue) from around and center of your teeth.
This pulp in your teeth comprises connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. All of them help maintain and continue the growth of teeth in your mouth. Primarily, it is either an endodontist or a general dentist who performs this precise dental procedure.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
During the root canal dental procedure, your general dentist or your endodontist performs the procedure. They will remove the infected pulp and bacteria from your teeth that might be showing signs of inflammation. Likewise, your endodontist (or your general dentist) will follow that up with cleaning and reshaping the root canals. Hence, sealing and filling the root space appropriately.
Additionally, they will install a crown over the affected teeth to ensure protection and allow complete functionality.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
A common question regarding the root canal procedure is whether it is painful or not? Do root canals hurt? The simple answer comes from the latest technology that features advanced and much better treatment methods. Overall, the use of a local anesthetic to numb your mouth prevents pain during the procedure. As a matter of fact, there might be little to no pain!
Although a root canal procedure takes longer than a typical large filling, it is fairly comfortable. That comfort comes courtesy of the local anesthesia that’s in play. However, if you have fevers or any sort of facial infections, then your dentist will prescribe medication to relieve your pain.
Besides, due to prolonged opening of the jaw during the procedure (open loose) can cause soreness. That being said, there are medications for that too. Meanwhile, your dentist might utilize rubber dams for wrapping around the infected tooth to restrict the spread of infection in the mouth.
A study suggests that the pain levels in the mouth of people requiring root canals dropped significantly post-procedure. What’s more, is that your endodontist might also prescribe you OTC medication to help soothe soreness and pain. These will last for the next few days. In general, the typical pain lasts for no more than a couple of days, or a maximum of one week.
How Do You Know That You Need a Root Canal?
The root canal is a dental procedure that aims to preserve and repair teeth with infected or inflamed pulps. Therefore, you should be aware of the warning symptoms and signs that hint at your need to obtain root canals promptly. Read the symptoms below to be preemptive in seeking professional dental care.
- Swollen Gums
- Pain in Gums
- Dark and/ or decaying gums
- Cavities
- Tooth sensitivity (the tingly feeling that you might get after sipping something really hot or really cold!)
- Chipped teeth
- Gum pimples
- Pain (acute or chronic) while biting or chewing
How Can You Prevent Root Canal Treatments?
For starters, preventing root canal treatments does not simply pertain to ignoring your oral health. In fact, there are some dental hygiene routines that can help you lower the risks of needing a root canal.
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Firstly, the “brush twice a day” is highly critical in ensuring that you prevent the cavity build-up that can lead to inflammation and infection in the center tissues of teeth. Secondly, flossing once or twice a week is highly advisable. Furthermore, you can ensure that you do not encounter any oral health concerns by making frequent visits to your dentist.
Do Root Canals Hurt and How to Prevent Pain: Conclusion
Are you experiencing any oral health problems? Do you require root canal procedures to end the pain in your mouth? For some similar reasons, Bryant Park Endodontics strives to provide excellent and premium quality dental healthcare.
Dr. Young Bui at Bryant Park Endodontics is among the great members of the American Dental Association. Moreover, having completed over 10,000 root canals, he possesses impeccable expertise.
Give Dr. Bui a call at 646-205-3045 to schedule an appointment today or visit our official website here for further inquiries.