Root canal treatment: does it hurt?
This is a question that is often asked by our patients when we talk to them about root canal treatment to save a diseased tooth. Indeed, people often fear this treatment because of the pain it causes. But are these fears really true? To help you understand, we’ll talk more about root canal treatment and set the record straight about the pain involved.
Why have a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is part of endodontics, a discipline of dentistry that focuses on the dental pulp, the central part of the teeth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. The periradicular tissues, which surround the roots of the teeth, are also covered by endodontic care.
Certain situations can allow bacteria to penetrate to the pulp of a tooth. The result is a painful infection that can interfere with daily activities and sleep. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to the formation of an abscess at the base of the tooth’s roots. When this happens, the dentist has no choice but to perform a root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp. Without this treatment, the tooth will require extraction because it is no longer viable and in order to protect the rest of the teeth.
Here are the situations that most often cause a pulp infection and require a root canal:
- Tooth decay that has deepened to reach the center of the tooth.
- A dental fracture that has impacted the pulp.
- A damaged filling or a dental crown that has broken, allowing bacteria to infiltrate the dental pulp.
Root canal treatment & pain: a persistent myth to be cleared up
When it comes to root canal treatment, our patients often fear that they will experience pain during the procedure. However, it is important to know that it is the infection that affects the tooth that causes significant pain in most people. Root canal treatment therefore helps to eradicate the infection and relieve the pain.
Root canal treatment is always performed under local anesthesia. Since the tooth to be treated and the surrounding tissues are numbed, there is usually little or no pain during the procedure. In addition, it is carefully planned and carried out with very precise instruments, which allow the dentist to reach the internal canals of the tooth where the pulp is located, in order to eliminate any trace of bacteria.
In light of this information, it is clear that there is no need to fear pain during root canal treatment. Remember that it’ s a last resort treatment to save a diseased tooth and allow it to keep its place within the rest of the dentition. The first priority of dental care is always to preserve the natural teeth.
Need a root canal treatment in Ottawa?
Consult Dr. Koniouchine and his team if you need a root canal. At our clinic, we offer this treatment at up to 50% less than with a specialist.
