Is Root Canal Therapy Painful? What To Expect From Endodontic Treatment

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful? What To Expect From Endodontic Treatment

The words “root canal” can often stir up negative images of a painful procedure or a long time in the dentist’s chair. However, root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is grossly misunderstood. Dr. Brian Davey of San Diego, CA is a dentist in the community who works routinely with patients who need to undergo root canal treatment to save a tooth from extraction and can help patients better understand the process.

What happens during root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is needed for a patient when the soft tissue located inside the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is affected by infection or inflammation. This can happen due to a deep cavity, a crack or chip in the tooth, or repeated dental procedures. Once the pulp becomes damaged, it starts to die, and bacteria multiply in this space. This can lead to an abscess, a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the root. Abscesses are extremely painful and can cause severe damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. Root canal therapy is the only way to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading.

During root canal therapy, Dr. Brian Davey will numb the area around the tooth and then access the pulp chamber through a small hole drilled in the tooth. He will then remove the damaged pulp and clean out the infected tissue. Once the area is completely clean, he will fill it with a material called gutta-percha and seal it with a dental crown.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Due to the area being numbed with proper anesthetic, the patient’s procedure is comfortable.

Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?

While the root canal procedure can often alleviate pain caused by abscesses, infection, or damage to the tooth, the tooth may be sore for a day or two after treatment. Patients often ask how to reduce root canal pain after their procedure and learn how easy it is to manage for most individuals with over-the-counter pain medications.

Request time with Dr. Brian Davey to learn more about root canal therapy

If you have been advised that you would benefit from the root canal procedure, take time to find out how it can impact your smile and what to expect from your visit. Call (858) 264-4369 to request a consultation visit with our team at 7805 Highlands Village Plaza, Suite G105.