You’ve been told you need a root canal to save your tooth and remove an infection, and you’re wondering if you’re in for a painful experience. Back in the day, root canals were notorious for being unpleasant. It’s only natural for you to feel nervous about your upcoming treatment. However, our root canal treatment in Houston, TX, is painless and easy.
What is a root canal?
A root canal (endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure used to remove an infection from the pulp, save the tooth, and prevent reinfection. This procedure will help save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and make your teeth healthy again.
When do you need a root canal?
You’ll need a root canal for a chipped or cracked tooth, deep decay from an untreated cavity, or issues from your previous filling. Below are the symptoms you may experience if you need root canal therapy:
- Tooth sensitivity (particularly to cold and hot sensations)
- Severe pain while biting or chewing
- Bumps or pimple-like bums on the gum
- Darkening of the gums or deep decay
- Tender or swollen gums
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- An abscessed tooth
Important: You need to address the root canal as soon as possible. That’s because the infection can spread and cause issues beyond your mouth.
How long do root canals take?
Typically, a root canal treatment takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and more complex cases can take up to 90 minutes or more. The procedure typically requires an appointment or two to complete.
How are root canals performed?
To conduct a root canal, your dentist or endodontist will x-ray your teeth to determine if performing the procedure is viable and if the infection has spread to other regions. Then, your dentist will numb the gum near your affected tooth with a small amount of numbing medication and then inject a local anesthetic into your gums.
Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will access the affected pulp by making a small opening in the top of your tooth. This pulp will contain blood vessels, sensitized nerves, and bacteria, which your dentist will remove before carefully cleaning all the canals in your tooth. Your dentist will then coat the area with antibiotics to disinfect it and prevent reinfection.
Once the canals are disinfected and cleaned, your dentist will end the procedure by filling and sealing your tooth. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medications to avoid post root canal pain.
Does it hurt?
You won’t feel any pain during the root canal procedure, thanks to the local anesthesia that dentists use. The pain associated with root canal treatments comes from the tooth itself before you get it treated. The truth is, removing the infection removes the pain. Painful root canals are actually a myth.
Even if anesthesia is not used, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your root canal treatment. To be on the safe side, the dental professionals at Locust Family Dentistry use anesthesia to numb the tooth and avoid the slightest possibility of pain. You may feel a little pressure on your tooth during the procedure but nothing more than that.
You’ll likely experience mild pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. This pain is normal to experience for a bit, and you can manage it with pain medications. Keep in mind that if it lasts beyond a week, you should visit your dentist.
Root canal treatment in Houston, TX
Root canals aren’t that scary anymore, so you don’t have to be afraid of being honest with your dentist.
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, or you’re experiencing its symptoms, Locust Family Dentistry offers pain-free root canal treatment in Houston, TX. We also offer restorative dental services to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. Book an appointment today!