Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Root Canal Pain Misconceptions

23 January 2018 by Charlotte Beck

Root canals have received a lot of negative attention over the years, even though they can save a tooth that would otherwise have to be pulled. If you need to have a root canal and you're afraid that it will be a painful procedure, you'll be glad to know that you shouldn't have to expect any pain. Root canals are safe and only performed by professionals under anesthesia. Read on to learn how dentists work to prevent pain, and what you're saving yourself from by getting one.

Pain Relief

Like any major dental procedure, dentists use local anesthesia to take care of pain during a root canal. The gums are numbed with a topical, then a numbing agent like Novocaine is slowly injected into your gums. Your dentist will move slowly to ensure that the tissues are fully saturated and numb before moving to deeper territory. This will help to prevent pain from the injection.

Once you're fully numbed, the procedure will begin. Most people don't feel anything while they're getting a root canal. However, it's important to communicate with your dentist. If you feel any level of discomfort, speak up and your dentist will take the appropriate measures to eliminate any discomfort.

Extreme Anxiety

For some people, root canals instill fear that goes beyond simple pain. If you're terrified of the pain of a root canal and your anxiety is so high that you feel you can't go through with it, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can offer general anesthesia instead of local anesthesia to take care of this problem.

General anesthesia is introduced through a vein, and lulls you into a deep sleep while the procedure is being performed. You'll only wake up once the root canal is done, so you won't have to deal with fear of the procedure or pain.

The Alternative

Root canals aren't the only way to deal with a tooth that's gone bad, but they are the best. Unfortunately, even if you opt out of a root canal, you'll still need to visit a dentist for a more complex procedure.

Most people who don't get root canals instead have to have their damaged tooth pulled completely. This can take time depending on the health of the tooth's root, which can stir up anxiety if you're already tense. Furthermore, that tooth will eventually need to be replaced, which will require more dentist visits and potentially surgery to introduce a dental implant. While this procedure is also safe, if your goal is to spend as little time under the knife as possible, a root canal is the way to go.

Root canals are safe and effective ways of removing infected tissue and root material while still preserving your existing tooth. If you're worried about a root canal, don't be afraid to reach out to your dentist to discuss the matter. They can answer your questions and put you at ease regarding the matter.

Share

Search