Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canal. Those two words are perhaps the most dreaded in all of dentistry. Almost everyone has heard some horror story about a root canal. You may even believe that all root canals are intolerably painful. This may even keep you from visiting the dentist’s office when you’re suffering from a reoccurring toothache.

But the truth is, dental technology has advanced a long way. Root canals are no longer something you need to fear or feel anxious about. Root canals are sometimes necessary to save your tooth, and restore it to its proper form at function. At 1st in Smiles in Plano, TX, we have a wealth of experience in performing root canals; we can routinely save teeth with painless routine canals performed in our comfortable and modern office.

In today’s post of our dental health blog, we’re going to cover several aspects related to root canals. We’re going to tell you about the symptoms you may experience if you need a root canals, describe the procedure in detail, and dispel some of the myths commonly associated with root canals.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

One of the most common sensations associated with a tooth in need of a root canal is a sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. You may also need a root canal if you are suffering from a reoccurring toothache. Root canals are used to remove infection and decay from the inside of a tooth; they actually prevent the tooth from dying and falling out.

Root canals are commonly performed if you have a cavity that’s simply too deep for a filling. You may also need one if your tooth is infected due to a cavity. Root canals can also be used to save broken, chipped, cracked, and injured teeth.

How Is a Root Canal Performed?

A root canal is designed to remove decay and/or infection from a tooth. During a root canal, we actually clean the inside of your tooth. We carefully remove any infections, damaged nerves, or other portions of the inside of your tooth. This material is known as our dental pulp. Once we’ve cleaned out your dental pulp, we will seal the tooth.

Because we remove dental pulp during a root canal, your tooth may become more prone to breaking apart. This happens due to loss of nerve, and blood and nutrient supply to your teeth. To prevent this from being an issue, we actually restore your tooth with a dental crown. Afterwards your tooth will function and appear just like your other teeth.

How Painful Is a Root Canal?

Not very. To be honest, root canals are pretty simple procedures. Many root canals can be completed in a single visit, while other situations may require two or three appointments. But the entire process is completely painless. After you’ve received a root canal, you may notice some minor swelling, sensitivity, or discomfort. We can provide medication to ease these symptoms, and you’ll be back to normal within a few days.
If you’re nervous about having a root canal, we can also provide several different dental sedation options. Root canals have an extremely high-rate of success; if you want to ensure the health and life of your tooth, then you may need a root canal. But in the 21st century, root canals are nothing to fear or be concerned about.

Make an Appointment

Are you having a reoccurring toothache? Is you tooth sensitive to hot beverages or cold drinks? Then contact for 1st in Smiles in Plano, TX, for an evaluation. We will determine the cause of your discomfort and can perform a rot canal if needed. Make an appointment by calling us at 972-380-8105.