Root canals are often depicted as painful procedures in television and film. These depictions do not reflect reality. In fact, it has been several decades since there was any pain associated with a root canal. If you were to get a root canal in Cedar Falls today, the most pain you would feel is a bit of tenderness in the hours following the procedure. So, how painful is a root canal?
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canals are necessary when tooth decay has moved beyond the outer parts of your tooth to infect the pulp. The pulp runs along the interior of your tooth, down into the root where the tooth meets the jaw. The pulp is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. These are all very important to the early development of your teeth.
Fortunately, a mature tooth can receive all of the same nourishment from surrounding tissue. That means that the infected pulp can be safely removed without destroying the entire tooth. The process of removing the infected pulp and reinforcing the remaining tooth is called a root canal.
How Painful Is a Root Canal?
Root canals are less painful now because of several advances in technology. We have better x-rays, better pain management, and better dental tools. All of these allow for superior precision that avoids any excess damage to your tooth while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
Lidocaine, in particular, has made a major difference. Although lidocaine was initially released in the late 1940s, it took awhile for this particular local anesthetic to completely replace other medications in dentistry.
Lidocaine works faster and longer than its predecessors. It is also a very low-risk medication. That makes lidocaine ideal for getting you in and out of your dentist’s chair as quickly as possible so that you can go home and enjoy an hour or so of total comfort.
Dealing with Post-Root Canal Discomfort
You shouldn’t feel any pain whatsoever during your procedure, but you will feel some discomfort as the lidocaine wears off. You can keep the pain in check by taking an over-the-counter pain medication approved by your dentist in Cedar Falls.
It is very important to stick to the approved list, as some over-the-counter pain medications can reduce clotting. For your tooth to heal, you need the blood to clot, so these medications can significantly slow the healing process.
Other Options for Treating Tenderness
In addition to using mild pain relievers, you can also take the edge off your discomfort by consuming cooling liquids. Smoothies are a great choice. A good homemade smoothie provides nutritional value, plus it’s thick enough to really maintain a nice cooling effect. The only thing to watch out for is straw use.
During your initial healing period, you will need to refrain from using straws. Anything that creates a suction effect in your mouth poses a risk to the surgical site. The suction could loosen clots, which would delay healing. It could also loosen part of the filling itself when it’s not fully set. Depending on your dentist’s instructions you should be able to start using straws again in a day or so.
Recognizing Dental Anxiety
If you’re still nervous about your upcoming root canal, that’s perfectly okay. Dental anxiety is very common, and it can range from mild to severe cases. The best way to handle dental anxiety is to recognize it.
Tell your dentist if you’re nervous about your upcoming procedure. Using their years of experience, they can make suggestions. If your anxiety is causing you stress or making it difficult for you to proceed, then you can always discuss the possibility of sedation dentistry.