Root canal therapy is often mistakenly perceived as a scary and painful procedure. In this article, we discuss myths, facts, and what root canal therapy really feels like to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.

Root Canal Therapy: Myths, Facts, and What to Expect

Below, we answer the most common questions about the root canal procedure to help you better understand the process, recovery, and its benefits.

What Happens During the Procedure of a Root Canal?

Before root canal therapy, your dentist will examine the tooth and make an X-ray or a scan to determine the extent of infection and the condition of the tooth’s structure.

The procedure for a root canal starts with local anesthesia administered via injection into the gum. Once the anesthetic numbs the area, your doctor will access the inner pulp of the tooth through its crown to remove the infected pulp and clean the canals.

When the infection is removed from the tooth, the canals are filled with a special biocompatible material, and the tooth is sealed to prevent the entry of food, saliva, and bacteria, and to prevent reinfection.

Typically, root canal therapy takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the treated tooth and the extent of the infection.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

It is a common misconception that the root canal procedure is painful. In fact, the toothache you experience before the procedure is likely to cause you much more discomfort than the procedure itself. Also, the majority of patients report immediate pain relief after the procedure, compared with a pre-procedure toothache.

Root canal therapy is always performed using a local anesthetic, which numbs the procedure site and blocks pain. Modern local anesthetics are extremely effective and can completely block pain even when the tooth is pulled, let alone during a root canal treatment.

The anesthetic dose can be adjusted during the procedure based on your needs and pain tolerance. In addition, you can opt for sedation if you experience severe dental anxiety, have a high tolerance to local anesthetics, or find it challenging to remain in the same position for the duration of your procedure.

Is Tooth Extraction Better than Root Canal Therapy?

In the vast majority of cases, saving your natural tooth is preferred to extraction. Our natural teeth help maintain jawbone density, proper tooth alignment and bite, and our facial structure. If the tooth is removed, it must be replaced with a bridge or a dental implant, which can be much more expensive and time-consuming than root canal therapy.

How Long Is Recovery After a Root Canal Therapy?

Typically, the recovery after root canal therapy takes about a week, or slightly longer in severe cases. During your recovery, you might expect the following symptoms:

• Mild pain or soreness in the treated tooth and the surrounding gum tissue (typically significantly lower compared to pre-procedure toothache)
• Mild swelling of the gum around the treated tooth
• Temporary tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages

How Should I Care for My Tooth After a Root Canal?

To ensure a swift and complication-free recovery after root canal therapy, we recommend following these tips:

• Manage pain with over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, and swelling with cold compresses
• If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, take the entire course according to the provided schedule
• Switch to a soft diet and do not chew on the procedure side of your mouth
• Avoid sports, strenuous activities, smoking, and alcohol for the duration of your recovery
• Ensure effective oral hygiene, but be gentle when cleaning around the treated tooth

Make an Appointment at TruGlo Calabasas

If you require root canal therapy or other dental procedures, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Calabasas. We are looking forward to your visit.