Fear of pain is a major cause of dental anxiety in many patients. Whether you’ve been avoiding a cleaning, filling, or hoping a toothache will go away on its own, sometimes we do dangerous things to prevent even the prospect of discomfort. But when it comes to an infected tooth, the waiting game isn’t one you can easily win. That’s because tooth infections don’t just clear up and go away on their own. If you have one, you will likely need a root canal to repair it, otherwise you could lose your entire tooth or even multiple teeth.
If you’re afraid of pain and have been ignoring the signs of tooth infection or skipping your semi-annual exams for fear of your dentist discovering one, here’s some great news about root canals.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure performed by your dentist to restore an infected tooth. It is done by opening the tooth to remove the infected dental pulp, cleaning it out, and then replacing it with a synthetic pulp that helps keep the tooth healthy and stable. It is then either sealed back up with a filling or crown, and in 95 percent of cases, this restoration will last the rest of your life.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Though you may not always feel anything when you have a tooth infection, in many cases it can be very painful. A root canal aims to eliminate that pain by removing the damaged pulp responsible for it. The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so you will not feel anything while your dentist works, however once complete many people feel much better than they did before. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort for a few days as the surrounding area heals, however this is usually much more tolerable than the pain from the initial infection, and it is easily treatable with over-the-counter pain reliever.
Recovering from a Root Canal
Root canal recovery takes a few days, but the more closely you follow your aftercare instructions, the faster you will heal. Here are a few tips for a speedy recovery:
- Don’t drink anything too hot or cold for the first few hours after your procedure.
- Do not chew with or bite down with the treated tooth for several days.
- Practice regular oral hygiene including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Visit your dentist for any follow-up appointments and don’t skip your regular, semi-annual cleanings and exams.
Remember, fear of pain is a normal response, but letting it prevent you from getting the care you need is a dangerous idea. If left untreated, a tooth infection can cause a domino effect of problems that can result in a lost tooth or teeth. Thankfully, root canals are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, you’ll feel much better once yours is complete!
About Our Practice
Lux Smiles doesn’t just want your smile to look its best, we want it to feel its best, too. That’s why we offer a variety of dental treatments under one roof. From exams and cleanings to cosmetic treatments and root canals, we’re here to help you improve your oral health with compassionate care and a high-level of skill and professionalism.
To schedule a root canal, please visit our website or call us today at 212-777-7126.