You might feel scared if your dentist suggests a root canal. After all, that treatment doesn’t have a great reputation. Some even say it’s unpleasant and painful. In truth, though, there’s no reason to fear — root canal therapy is actually painless! Only after the procedure is done would you feel slightly sore. To prove it, your Simpsonville dentist is here with the facts. Read on, then, to know why root canals don’t hurt, what to expect after treatment, and tips for reducing post-op soreness.
Root Canals Don’t Hurt
Despite the gossip surrounding them, root canals honestly don’t hurt. The idea they do is a myth brought on by pop culture, stereotypes, and misunderstandings.
For starters, the procedure’s purpose is (partly) to relieve toothaches. It removes a pearly white’s infected pulp, thus ridding you of the nerves causing your initial pain. Plus, dentists usually follow a root canal with filling and crown treatments — services that protect teeth from decay.
Furthermore, dentists use anesthesia to numb your mouth before treatment. That way, you won’t feel discomfort when the root canal is underway. Rather, you’ll only feel slight pressure as the procedure works on your tooth.
What to Expect After Treatment
Of course, there’s a difference between pain during treatment and pain after it. Once a root canal is done, you may feel sore as its anesthetic wears off. However, that symptom is normal and fades in a few days.
Still, root canals can (rarely) result in complications. If you’re unlucky, the therapy may trigger a new infection — one that features pain, fever, swelling, or an uneven bite. You’ll need to see your dentist in that case.
How to Reduce Post-Op Soreness
While waiting for post-op soreness to stop, consider tips that can help you manage it. These include:
- Eat Carefully: Wait until the treatment anesthetic wears off before having a meal. Otherwise, you might bite your cheek or tongue. It’s also a good idea to stick to soft foods.
- Use Pain Relievers: Go ahead and take any pain medications recommended by your dentist. Over-the-counter types are usually fine, including Tylenol or Advil.
- Practice Good Oral Care: Good oral care can reduce pain from a root canal. So, remember to brush twice daily and floss once daily. Also, be extra careful around the treated tooth.
As you can see, root canal therapy doesn’t have to be scary. By following the tips above, the whole process can go quite smoothly!
About the Practice
Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is based in Simpsonville, SC. Led by its talented team of dentists, our practice strives to treat patients like family. To that end, we perform high-quality treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Furthermore, our office can also handle dental emergencies with procedures like root canal therapy. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or call by phone at (864)-962-6671.