Root canal treatments have a way of striking fear into the hearts of patients. Many worry that their experience will be painful from start to finish. While that might have been true to a certain extent several decades ago, dentistry and local anesthetics have come a long way. Your root canal discomfort might not be as bad as you think!
To get an idea of what you can expect before, during, and after a modern-day root canal, keep reading.
Toothaches Before Your Root Canal
If you have a root canal treatment on the horizon, chances are putting your appointment on the books all started with a toothache. Often (but not always), this pain is severe and is what prompts patients to see an emergency dentist.
Typically, the cause of a root-canal-worthy toothache is a dental infection deep inside your tooth. If it’s not removed, it will cause more problems and discomfort – which is why dentists recommended prompt removal via root canal.
Discomfort During Your Treatment
So a root canal treatment will spare you from more pain down the road, but what about the actual procedure? That’s what most people worry about, after all.
Well before your dentist works their tools inside of your tooth to remove your infection, they’ll numb the treatment site and surrounding area with a local anesthetic. There are a couple of different local anesthetics used in dentistry today, but rest assured all of them are effective numbing agents.
If you’re still anxious about your treatment, though, ask your dentist about sedation options. You’ll still be conscious during your root canal, but patients appreciate the sense of calm and muted sensory information these methods offer.
Post-Op Soreness and Recovery
Where you’ll likely experience the most discomfort is at home, when the local anesthetic wears off. Don’t fret – you’ll be no sorer after a root canal than any other dental treatment. These strategies are usually effective at managing recovery aches:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb your tooth
- Saving hard, crunchy foods for later, when you’re less sore
- Adding a saltwater rinse to your oral hygiene routine to promote healing
Your dentist might also have suggestions that are more personalized, so don’t hesitate to ask them for more pain management advice.
Overall, you can expect your root canal discomfort to be minimal thanks to modern dental techniques and technology. If you do experience severe pain – particularly during recovery – then contact your emergency dentist right away. This is uncommon and could indicate that there’s a problem. Otherwise, be sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. You’ll be back to life as usual before you know it!
About the Practice
Dr. LaCap, Dr. Tong, and their team of compassionate dentists at Smile More Dentistry are ready to treat your dental aches and pains. They’ll ensure you’re comfortable during your root canal treatment – after all, the idea is to get you out of pain! If dental anxiety is giving you stomach butterflies, ask about your sedation dentistry options. Smile More Dentistry proudly offers oral conscious and IV sedation solutions to empower their patients. To contact Dr. Lacap or Dr. Tong, call their office at 845-675-1512.