Can You Pass This Test? True or False: It is Very Painful to Get a Root Canal

You are not a dental professional, and therefore there is no reason you should be an expert on all things related to dental health and dental treatment. However, at California Dental Group, we have found that there are some issues that patients are not just uninformed about, but that they rather believe a myth. Today we will cover this: is it truly painful to get a root canal?

False – Root Canals Are No More Painful Than Cavity Fillings

Many people believe that root canals take many hours, are very painful, and are a big issue. The truth is that your root canal should not be any more painful than if you were having a cavity filled. In fact, root canals get rid of tissue within the tooth and root, which can immediately relieve painful infections.

The Reason for the Myth

It was once true that root canals could be very painful – but that was before we had reliable anesthesia options. In the past, because root canal procedures can so often save the life of a tooth, a person would simply suffer through it. Those painful memories have been passed down, and now people still think it is true.

Another issue is that it is often the case that a person does not get a root canal until they are experiencing extreme pain due to an infection or abscess. Even though a root canal can put an immediate end to that pain, sometimes people just remember the overall pain of the infection.

This is What You Should Actually Expect

It is true that a root canal is a delicate procedure. First, we remove the damaged tissue, otherwise known as the pulp, from the interior of your tooth. This can take time, so expect to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour in the dentist’s chair. Once we have removed the damaged pulp, we will seal up the tooth. Depending on the amount of damage to your tooth, we may fit you with a crown.

How to Avoid Root Canals

While root canals are not as expensive or painful as many people believe, it is still a medical procedure that you are better off avoiding if possible. You can do this by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice her year. If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning and exam, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to book an appointment.