Is Root Canal Painful?

Root canals have something of a bad reputation, but you might be surprised to learn that they often aren’t that painful! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about root canal Essex, so you know what to expect and feel as confident as possible leading up to your appointment.

A root canal is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe pain and swelling, and can even lead to an abscess. The goal of a root canal is to save the tooth and prevent it from needing to be extracted, as it is in your best interests to retain as many of your natural teeth as possible.

Your dentist will drill into the affected tooth to remove the pulp and then clean and fill the root canal. This can take several visits. Once the treatment is complete, a root filling will be inserted. Root-filled teeth are more fragile than healthy unrestored teeth, so in some cases, a crown may be fitted over the tooth to protect it.

Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, which means that the area around the affected tooth will be numbed. As a result, you should not feel any pain during the root canal itself. In fact, for many patients, the discomfort leading up to the root canal is far worse than anything experienced during the treatment! In some cases where the tooth has died and is no longer sensitive, it may not even be necessary to use any anaesthetic.

Thanks to the local anaesthesia, most patients describe the experience as no more unpleasant than having a filling. Your dentist will make sure the area is thoroughly numbed before beginning any work, ensuring that you do not feel any pain throughout the process. Don’t worry, we have years of experience when it comes to carrying out root canals.

After your treatment, your restored tooth should no longer be painful. However, it is normal for the area to feel a little sore or tender for a few days, particularly if the infection was severe before the treatment. This discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, so you know how to best look after your tooth post-treatment. Avoid chewing on hard foods for a few days and keep up with your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

One of the biggest benefits of a root canal is that it can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Extraction can lead to other complications, such as shifting teeth and difficulty chewing. By opting for a root canal, you not only preserve the tooth but also maintain the proper alignment and function of your teeth. Root canals have a high success rate, and with proper care, the majority of restored teeth will last for around a decade or more.

To find out more about root canals and how we can help you, please get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team today.