Root Canal Pain
It is not uncommon for people to cringe, wince, or feel their heart rate elevate when they heard the words, “root canal.” Hollywood has certainly vilified this dental procedure more than others, but the truth is that improvements in surgical technology and methodologies, as well as improved types of anesthesia have made the pain involved in having a root canal treatment far less than it once was. More importantly, the pain you will experience not treating the root canal, followed by the pain you will feel in having the area become more infected, is much greater and longer lasting than simply addressing the issue sooner, rather than later.
If you have been putting off having a root canal procedure because you are anxious about the pain associated with the procedure, please contact your dentist to discuss what to expect from the procedure, as well as different levels of anesthesia available, which can not only reduce the pain of the procedure, but also
alleviate the anxiety you might be feeling.
What Causes the Pain?
Somewhat surprisingly, the bulk of the pain that people feel when having a root canal is not caused by the procedure itself, but rather by the infected tissue. As soon as your dentist begins to remove the damaged tissue and clean the infected area, you will be amazed at how much better your teeth begin to feel.
Should I Have the Tooth Extracted Instead?
In general, your dentist will advise you to do everything you can to keep your tooth; however, there are instances when removing a tooth is the best approach for your overall oral health. If your dentist has recommended a root canal procedure, this means they believe the best option for you is to remove and clean
the damaged area and avoid the more involved and physically stressful procedure of tooth extraction.
Can I Have Sedation for this Procedure?
Yes. Sedation is a perfectly acceptable request for this procedure, although your dentist may have restrictions or opinions on what level of sedation is best for you. It is important to discuss different sedation options with your dentist and being clear and honest about what your level of fear, concern, and pain threshold is. Your dentist will be happy to discuss the benefits and drawbacks to each type of sedation and help you determine what is best for you.
The different levels of sedation levels include the following:
- Mild sedation: Mild sedation is used to reduce anxiety and lesson the pain associated with the procedure.
- Medium sedation: Medium sedation is commonly used for procedures like root canals. Medium sedation creates a deep state of relaxation and can cause mild amnesia.
- Heavy sedation: Heavy sedation is often administered through an IV drip and will put the patient to sleep. Most patients will have no memory of the procedure.
Following your procedure, you may experience some residual pain for a few days. Talk to your dentist about over-the-counter pain relief medications, diet plans and post operative instructions you should follow to help reduce this pain.
Learn More About Root Canals : What is the Root Canal Procedure Like?