How Bad is a Root Canal (Really)?

You’ve been having some tooth pain. You decided to finally make the call for a consultation with your dentist in Valparaiso. Then you learn that your best treatment option is a dental treatment we’ve all heard of by now, and that’s a root canal. A million thoughts start racing through your mind:

• How long will my root canal take?
• How much will it cost?
• How bad is it going to hurt?

We’re here to soothe your anxiety and calm your fears because the tooth truth is that root canals aren’t really scary at all. 

Root Canals Get Rid of Pain

Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Discolored gums or teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth

In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, let’s praise this common dental procedure that happens over 41,000 times a day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. 

Everything You Need to Know About Your Root Canal

Your dentist in Valparaiso will recommend root canal therapy to repair and save a tooth that’s badly damaged, decayed, or infected. During the actual procedure, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, removing the pulp and nerve. Your tooth is then sealed to avoid infection. You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Remember, root canals relieve your pain, not cause more. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but over-the-counter pain medications will certainly help. 

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take to Complete?

When you need a root canal to help heal your smile, how your treatment progresses will be personal to your needs and schedule. Generally speaking, root canals can take up to two appointments, ranging in length from 30 to 90 minutes. What determines how long your procedure will take is the severity of your individual case. The initial appointment is when we do the actual root canal, where all of the infected pulp is safely and effectively removed from your tooth. The second appointment is when your tooth will get a custom crown, matching the rest of your teeth for a seamless restoration.

More Facts You Never Knew About Root Canals

We hope you’re feeling a little bit better about the not-so-dreadful root canal procedure. As we talked about earlier, root canals are commonly thought to be the most painful kind of dental treatment. Also, a 2016 study found that root canal symptoms varied depending on the type of bacteria in the infection.

Don’t be afraid to see your dentist in Valparaiso because you’re worried about having a root canal. Please schedule a consultation and talk with us! We have the technology and years of training that make the experience as comfortable and easy as we said it would be in this blog.

About The Author

Dr. Joseph Majka

After earning his dental degree in 1993, Dr. Joseph Majka provided dental care for migrant farm workers’ children through the Indiana State Department of Health. Months later, he began practicing family and cosmetic dentistry. For years, he was involved in different charitable activities, providing free dental care for the underprivileged in the community. Dr. Majka has attended several continuing education courses that cover all aspects of dental care and is affiliated with numerous dental associations.

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