illustration of an infected tooth needing root canal therapy

Are Root Canals Painful?

May 25, 2021 9:24 pm | Published by

The circulating myth is that root canals are a scary dental procedure. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Root canal therapy is actually a common, simple treatment to help save your natural tooth and alleviate pain. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment designed to remove damaged pulp and tissue from inside the tooth’s canals. By removing the damaged pulp, the tooth can be preserved. If the diseased tissue is left inside the tooth, the tooth will begin to die. Here are some of the most common reasons you may need a root canal:

The Root Canal Process

The first step of a root canal is to make a small hole in the top of the crown. Dentists will use this hole to access the tooth’s canals. They will then clean out any of the diseased pulp and disinfect the inside of the tooth. After this step is complete, they use a filling called gutta percha to fill in the canals. Most dentists will put a dental crown over the tooth for additional strength and protection.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canals are not a painful procedure! Dentists thoroughly numb the area around the tooth, so the most patients will feel is slight pressure during the treatment. Many dentists also offer sedation dentistry, such as oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, to ensure patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. When a tooth is severely damaged, it can be very painful. Root canals are specifically designed to help preserve the tooth and alleviate the pain caused by the damage.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you in need of a root canal? We can help! Our Mauka Family Dental team has extensive experience performing root canal therapy. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation!

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