Truth or Myth: Is It Painful to Get a Root Canal from a California Dentist?

If you believe everything you see on TV and in the movies, root canals are one of the most painful things a person can go through. In fact, when we tell patients that root canal therapy is recommended, they are often afraid. Is it true that this option hurts? And how does it really help? Keep reading to learn the answers to these and other questions.

Root Canals Generally Do Not Cause Pain

First and foremost, let us help give you peace of mind: Root canal do not generally cause pain. In fact, they actually relieve it. It used to be that root canals were very painful because there was not appropriate anesthetic options. Today, your dentist has the tools, techniques, and anesthesia options to keep the pain to a bare minimum. You will be back to your regular routine before you know it.

Root Canals Are Important

When you know how important root canals are for your overall oral health, it might be easier to understand why you need one. It is a process that removes damaged or infected tissue within the tooth. In many cases, this damaged tissue causes extreme pain. The purpose of the root canal is to get rid of that tissue which is causing pain.

There are many reasons you could have damaged tissue within your teeth. It could be that you have a cavity you have not gotten filled and it has caused deep decay. You might have a chip or crack, or another type of injury to the tooth. Once we remove the damaged tissue, you will have an immediate feeling of relief from the pain – or at least you would if you did not have pain relievers.

Millions of People Get Root Canals Every Year

While it might still seem as though root canals are dangerous or painful, keep in mind that millions of teeth are treated with this therapy every year. Not only can having a root canal help relieve pain, but it could be the answer to saving your tooth. In many cases, your options are either to have the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, denture, or dental implant.

If you allow it to be extracted, you will be missing your natural teeth and can expect to have issues for the foreseeable future. This is a much more expensive option that is more likely to include pain than having the root canal.

If you have questions about whether or not a root canal is right for you, or what the best way to proceed is, then we urge you to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a local, experienced dentist.