Are root canals painful in Belmont? Thanks to skewed portrays in the media, this treatment is notorious for causing discomfort. It is understandable if you might feel a little scared when your dentist recommends it for you. However, it does not deserve its reputation. In fact, it is much more likely to relieve pain than cause it! What can you expect to feel during and after root canal therapy? Read on below to learn the answer.
During Root Canal Therapy
Your dentist wants you to be comfortable, so one of the first things they will do during your appointment is administer local anesthesia. You might feel a pinch as the anesthesia is injected, but that should be the most unpleasant thing about your treatment experience.
If you are particularly nervous about your procedure, or you are not easily numbed by local anesthesia, be sure to let your dental team know. You might be a candidate for sedation, which can dull your body’s pain response and help you to stay relaxed.
Once you are comfortable, the treatment will begin. You can expect to feel little to nothing, though you might notice some pressure (not pain) while your dental team is working. The entire experience is much more comfortable than most patients anticipate!
After Root Canal Therapy
Once any anesthesia and sedation wear off, it is normal to experience some soreness and tenderness at the treatment site. Root canal therapy can cause some inflammation, which is a normal part of your body’s healing process. Additionally, you might notice some soreness in your jaw because the procedure required you to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time. Any discomfort you experience should be fairly mild.
Most people are feeling normal within a few days to a week or so after their treatment. In the meantime, you might take the edge off any discomfort by using over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft, easy-to-chew foods. If your dentist provides any other instructions for your recovery period, be sure to follow them as carefully as you can.
When to Call Your Dentist
Most people experience a smooth recovery after root canal therapy. Rarely, though, there are post-treatment complications that require a dentist’s care. If you experience severe pain that limits your ability to carry out normal daily tasks, that certainly merits a call to your dental team. Signs of infection, such as severe redness, a burning sensation in your mouth, or a fever, are also good reasons to seek professional assistance.
The prospect of undergoing root canal therapy can be a little scary — but there is nothing to worry about. Thanks to anesthesia, sedation, and a dentist’s gentle touch, most patients enjoy a seamless and comfortable treatment experience.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, highly skilled dentists at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry are proud to provide general oral health services in a welcoming environment. Sedation is available for patients who are nervous about treatment. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 603-556-7047.