There are a lot of negative connotations attached to the concept of root canals. Some people get scared even when they hear the term “root canals” because of the perceived notion that it is extremely painful and uncomfortable. If you are here for the unfiltered truth, the fact is that root canals do not hurt. If anything, they get rid of the pain of the infected tooth and help you eat.
While root canals may have been painful a few years ago, the treatment is not done the same way and using the same tools now. Thanks to the advancements in technology, several tools and techniques have been introduced in the market, which have brought relief to dental patients. If you need clarification of doubts, consult with Buffalo Grove dentistry before proceeding with the treatment.
Do root canals hurt?
Before your dentist begins the root canal procedure, they give you sedation medicines, and you remain under heavy sedation the entire time. Therefore, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. The entire surgical site is made numb before the process is even begun.
It may sound untrue, but the entire process where the dentist drills open your infected tooth to remove the decaying pulp from inside will cause no pain. The dentist will then disinfect, clean, and shape the tooth to ensure no bacteria inside.
Finally, your tooth will be sealed off to avoid the chances of infection afterward. This is where the process ends. So you see, there is no way you will feel pain during a root canal because, during the entire time, you will be sedated. Root canal treatment does not hurt, but the infected tooth before the treatment does.
After the treatment
Yes, you might feel pain and discomfort after the treatment once the sedative wears off. This pain is normal, and everyone goes through it. You can manage this with over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain lasts more than a week, you should visit your dentist.
How long do root canals take?
Root canals may sound like complex surgeries but can be done within thirty to sixty minutes. Even the most complex root canal surgeries are completed within 90 minutes. Therefore, you do not need a lot of free time to get a root canal. However, you should still take leave from work or college because you will experience pain and discomfort post-treatment. But, other than that, your treatment will not take more than two appointments to conclude.