A root canal is a safe yet most feared treatment in the world of dentistry. It is the most effective way to save a bad tooth, but why do people try to avoid it? Time to debunk the myth and have a real talk; do root canals actually hurt?
No, they do not. A root canal helps relieve tooth pain because, by the end of this session, the teeth are free from every bacteria that cause mouth troubles.
Do Root Canals Hurt Your Teeth?
The patients are given anesthesia before the procedure starts, so they will not feel anything happening inside their mouths. So, no pain at all! However, it is standard to feel some amount of discomfort after the process is over, but that’s quite bearable and vanishes off in a few days.
What Can You Expect During a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that eliminates bacteria from the roots of your teeth. It is a step-wise process that starts off with the initial oral cavity examination to assess the extent of the decay.
On D-day, the dentists inject local anesthesia into the site to numb it so that no pain is felt during the process. After the mouth is successfully sedated, dentists open the tooth and get rid of the infected tissue first. Then, they clean and disinfect the site of action and place a filler in its place.
Finally, for closing up, the tooth may be given a crown or large filling to cover up the cleaned root.
When Is A Root Canal Needed?
Root canals are a requirement for a cracked tooth, deep cavities, or issues from an old filling. In general, patients need root canals when they have sensitivity in their teeth to temperatures, both hot and cold.
Some of the symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal soon:
- Sharp stabbing pain during chewing or biting down food.
- Bump on gums.
- Pimple on gums.
- A chip in the tooth.
- Cracked tooth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods as well as beverages.
- Swollen gums.
- Red gums.
- Deep dental decay.
Is It Possible To Avoid A Root Canal?
It is better not to avoid getting this procedure done because sometimes it is the only way to save a dying tooth. Since root canals do not hurt, expect a 90% to 95% success rate procedure without any pain.
Unfortunately, there is only one alternative route, and that is to extract it. This will lead to a gap or may make your teeth crooked. The dentist has dental implants to offer, a process which is far more complicated and may hurt too, compared to root canals.
What Is the Cost of getting a Root Canal?
The total cost of getting a root canal depends on how the complexity and severity of an individual’s condition. As an example, let’s talk about molars; they are challenging to treat; therefore, the charge is usually more.
In general, an endodontic treatment with natural tooth restoration is inexpensive compared to getting an entire tooth extracted. The reason is that the gap would need additional procedures that may be painful but would definitely cost more.
Final Words
In a nutshell, do not fear root canals as they do not hurt. The procedure is painless with the help of local anesthetics. You won’t feel a thing. Do not ignore the cry of your tooth, and get on board with the best treatment option. Contact professionals from Rock Creek Oral Surgery Specialists for more information. We are just a tap away.