If you think root canal procedures are painful, think again. The fear of root canal in people is bigger than the actual pain they go through in reality. To improve your dental health, you need to take care of your dental health, and this procedure will help you in doing so. Which is why, we’ve come up with a short fact sheet that tells you how the procedure is done, and why you don’t need to worry about it at all.

Nowadays, before every session of the root canal therapy (RCT), application of a numbing medicine is resorted to which promises no severe pain sensation to be felt? However after the treatment, you surely do have to take proper care of your mouth and you may encounter some post-procedure distress like an ache, but can apparently be eased out with the help of over the counter pain relievers.

What is root canal?

A root canal is a procedure or treatment in which the tooth is repaired from decay. It prevents further tooth infection and cures it. During the proceedings of a root canal, the nerve and pulp are separated, and the interior parts of the tooth are washed and after that sealed. The tissue surrounding the tooth without treatment will become infected, and sores or cankers may form. Root canal pain during the proceedure experienced is very little, compared to other dental surgeries and treatments.

What’s the procedure like?

Root canals are performed to improve your dental health. In the country, an approximate 24 million root canals are performed every year. If the soft tissue holding the blood vessels and nerves of your tooth called the pulp becomes damaged or infected, then a root canal therapy should be done. Signs of infected pulp include inflammation, pain and sensitivity issues when you push on your tooth or bite down.

Your endodontist removes the tissue that is affected, and after that, the specialized dentist works on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the dental pulp. The infected pulp or the flesh is replaced by gutta percha, a rubber like material. Usually, after one or two appointments, the procedure is finished. You can visit your dentist and have the tooth restored with a filling or crown. You will be able to continue your normal and regular oral habits, such as smiling, chewing, brushing, or flossing.

Medication and numbing

According to the Endodontists of the Association of American, many patients feel little to no root canal pain while the process is being performed. Before the treatment is done, the tooth and areas surrounding it are anesthetized to inhibit the pain sensation. After the treatment, for some days one can expect some sensitivity and pain issues. Your medical practitioner will advise over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin, or he will give you a pain medication prescription to ease any momentary discomfort. In the case of persistent pain which continues even after a few days or that tends to return months or even years post treatment, is not reasonable. This could be a precursor of a new infection. Do let your dentist know about the situation without delay.

Let’s bust the myths

Here is a look at the common reasons why people are afraid of this dental procedure.

Myth: It’s painful!

Reality: The main idea to realize is that the treatment of a root canal therapy itself is not the source of the pain endured by most patients. According to the Endodontists of the American Association root canals are meant to alleviate pain, not be the cause of it. In fact, with modern day advancement in surgical and anesthesia techniques, the discomfort felt, or the root canal pain during the process is similar to the pain felt while having tooth filler.

Myth: It causes tooth pain!

Reality: Tooth pain, on the contrary, is usually caused by infected or damaged tissue. Although the tooth and the nearby area might be painful for a few days, your dentist can prescribe medicine to help relieve the pain sensations and allow you to get back to normal routines shortly.

Myth: It’s a stressful procedure!

Reality: It’s very typical for anyone to feel stressed or worried before the treatment. A contemporary survey declared that up to 15% of patients withdraw seeking dental care as they fear root canal pain. Luckily, root canal therapy only sounds frightening than it is in reality.

Once your treatment is complete, your tooth is repaired with a filling for protection and continues to function healthily. To sit in that dental chair, with all those instruments and noise, one is bound to get panicked with the assumptions of pain but rest assured nothing such happens. So, if you are suffering from anxiety about root canal pain, stop worrying and get it done at the earliest.