If you utter the term “root canal,” people around you will most likely say things like, “Oh, that would hurt!” or “Jeez, that’s scary!”. After all, the thought of mini tools working through your tooth can be scary indeed. Some people even prefer tooth extraction over root canal treatment because of the stigma attached to the latter. Let’s bust a couple of myths about this once-dreaded dental procedure to set things straight.
Myth 1: The Procedure Is Excruciating
Root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, involves drilling a hole in your tooth to extract the infected or dead pulp inside it. That sounds extremely painful, right? Well, back in the 1700s, it probably was.
Nowadays, this procedure is not excruciating as people once perceived it. In fact, it is virtually painless—thanks to advancements in medicine and technology. Before your dentist starts the operation, a local anesthetic is applied to the affected area. This stops the nerves in that section from sending pain signals to your brain and gives that area a numbing sensation. You may feel pressure and movement, but there won’t be any pain at all. The effect lasts anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Modern tools also help minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. For example, dentists now use nickel-titanium rotary files to make canals in teeth. Compared to their stainless-steel counterparts, nickel-titanium files cut faster and smoother and remove debris better, and they are more flexible. In short, they make the operation quick and comfortable for both you and your dentist.
Myth 2: Tooth Extraction Is Less Painful Than Root Canal
For both procedures, a local anesthetic is applied to the affected area before proceeding, so you will not feel pain regardless of your chosen method. However, you might feel more pressure from extraction as it involves prying and pulling the affected tooth. Still, doing so doesn’t make tooth extraction less painful than a root canal, as some may think.
Moreover, dentists still prefer saving the original tooth to taking it out unless it is damaged beyond repair. A root canal treatment restores the functionality and aesthetics of the original tooth, so you can chew like it is new.
How To Manage Pain After Treatment
You may feel pain once the anesthetic wears off. After the procedure, dentists usually recommend the following:
- Pain medications
- A cold compress
Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are popular over-the-counter drugs for dental pain. Please follow your dentist’s instructions when taking such medications.
This is a classic home remedy for dental pain. Put an ice pack on the affected area and keep it there until pain symptoms are reduced. You may repeat the application as needed.
For painless root canal treatments, contact Castillo Dental in Mexicali, B.C. Dr. Castillo and his team use the latest technology to rescue your teeth and keep them healthy!
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