It’s literally an unnerving process. For many people, the thought of having a nerve removed from inside their teeth during a root canal is nothing short of unnerving. But would root canals be such a common dental procedure if the pain was intolerable? Find out just how much pain you can expect from having a root canal done.
Before the Procedure
The pain you feel before you have a root canal may be the worst of it, depending on how badly your tooth has decayed. When the nerves inside your tooth get exposed via cavities, cracks or chips, everyday experiences can be extremely painful. Drinking a cold beverage can send pain shooting from the exposed nerve. Hot drinks can do the same thing. Even moving air on the exposed nerve can be painful.
But once you’ve plopped down in the dentist’s chair, the worst of your root canal pain is actually behind you.
During the Procedure
A quick prick to the gums, and in no time the pain emanating from your tooth will be muted. That shot of anesthesia will allow your dentist to work methodically, without having to worry that you’re going to flinch at any moment or flatout run for the door in response to the pain.
Though your dentist will be cleaning decaying bits of pulp from your tooth in order to preserve the healthy tissue inside, you won’t feel a thing.
After the Procedure
When the procedure is done and the anesthesia begins to wear off, you may feel a bit of pain and soreness at the root canal site. Your dentist will likely recommend off-the-shelf pain killers. Prescription-strength pain medication will, in all likelihood, be overkill.
Find Out More
Click here to schedule a time to talk to a local dentist in Sarasota, FL to find out more about getting a root canal, find out if you need one in the first place and learn what your dentist will do to keep your tooth pain at a minimum.