Are Root Canals Painful?
As a Huntington Beach general dentist, we perform root canals on a regular basis. In spite of how popular they are, many of our patients want to know, “are root canals painful?” The answer is no, not when they are performed by an experienced dentist. Beach City Dental performs endodontics procedures so frequently, that he is able to do so without causing any unnecessary irritation. To truly understand the answer to this question, it helps to learn more about the procedure itself. Here are answers to some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis –
Why would I need a root canal?
Beach City Dental typically recommends a root canal as a way to save an infected or damaged tooth. When the center of the tooth (dental pulp) becomes infected, it is necessary to remove the infected area. This is done using an endodontics procedure – a root canal. If the infection is not removed, it will spread, cause significant irritation and can even lead to a dental abscess that must be addressed surgically. It is far better to take the preventative approach to remove the infection as quickly as possible.
How is a root canal performed?
When you visit our Huntington Beach, CA dental office, we will numb the area so that you do not feel any pain while the procedure is being performed. Next, we will create a small hole in the tooth structure so that the interior can be accessed. This is how we will remove the infected area and the roots if necessary. Afterwards the area will need to be thoroughly cleaned and then sealed with a rubber-like substance.
Do I need to get a dental crown afterwards?
You may need a dental filling or a dental crown to complete the restoration. This really depends on how much of the enamel is missing due to the initial infection and the procedure itself. We will let you know what is necessary when you visit our 92647 office for a consultation.
Will I need to take antibiotics?
If the infection is bad, it is likely that Beach City Dental will recommend that you take a course of antibiotics. This is sometimes done before you actually have the root canal and, typically, patients feel a lot better just by finishing them. By the time you return for the actual root canal, you will already be on your way to better health.
Are root canals painful?
No. The biggest pain that you will feel is from the actual infection. That irritation can be significant which is why you may need antibiotics first. When you visit our Huntington Beach, CA office for endodontics, we will use anesthesia to numb the area so that you do not feel anything other than slight pressure. We will complete the procedure quickly and you will begin to feel better right away.
How will I feel after a root canal?
You can expect to have some soreness for a day or two. Take ibuprofen and ice the area for fifteen minutes at a time the same day as your procedure. You should begin to feel better the next day and will just need to be cautious with what you eat for a few days.
Endodontics can be used to save your infected teeth and by visiting an experienced Huntington Beach dentist, you will not experience any pain from the procedure. If you have a toothache, call (714) 898-2517 and schedule an appointment with our 92647 dental office today.