More than 15 million root canal procedures are performed in the United States every year, and 89% of patients report satisfaction with their treatment, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Despite this high success rate, many people still fear root canals due to outdated misconceptions. At Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs, we’re here to change the perception of root canal pain.

Root canals are a proven solution for saving teeth that might otherwise need extraction and the pain often associated with root canals is actually caused by infection, not the procedure itself.

Our skilled team, led by Dr. Tom Jennings and Dr. Brad Perrett, utilizes advanced techniques and a caring approach to prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what you should expect before, during, and after a root canal. Let’s get started.

Why Root Canal Treatment is Necessary

A root canal procedure is necessary when the pulp of a tooth, which houses blood vessels and nerves, becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to:

• Deep decay

• A crack in the tooth

• Trauma from an injury

The infection can spread if left untreated and can cause severe pain, even possibly resulting in tooth loss. The procedure involves cleaning out the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further damage. While many people fear root canals, the reality is that the procedure is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and avoid more extensive treatments like extractions or implants.

At Pinnacle Dentistry, we focus on restorative techniques that help you keep your natural teeth as long as possible. Our skilled team uses the latest technology and methods to make the root canal process smoother and more comfortable for you. Whether you’re dealing with a painful tooth or want to avoid future dental issues, root canal treatment can save your tooth and restore your oral health.

Pain Before the Root Canal

Before a root canal, the most common symptom is persistent tooth pain, which often becomes worse when chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth. You might also experience sensitivity to temperatures cold and hot, which lingers even after the stimulus is removed. In some cases, the pain may come and go, but over time, it tends to get more intense.

Another sign that a root canal may be needed is swelling around the affected area, sometimes accompanied by tenderness in the gums. If the infection spreads, you could also notice a bad taste in your mouth or an abscess on the gums, known as an abscess.

These symptoms occur because the infection is affecting the tooth’s pulp, causing inflammation and pressure inside the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to more severe pain and potential tooth loss. As such, seeking treatment as soon as these symptoms appear can help prevent further damage and relieve the discomfort.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The good news is that a root canal is a straightforward procedure that’s designed to relieve pain and save your tooth. At Pinnacle Dentistry, we ensure your comfort throughout the entire process, using the latest techniques and technology to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Preparation and Anesthesia

The initial step of a root canal procedure involves preparing the area, and our dentist will take an X-ray of the affected tooth to evaluate the severity of the damage.

Once this is done, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, although you may feel pressure or vibrations. For patients who experience anxiety, we provide sedation options to help ensure a more relaxed experience.

Accessing the Tooth and Removing the Infection

Once the area is numbed, we will make a small opening in the top (crown) of the tooth to reach the infected pulp inside. Using special tools, the dentist carefully removes the infected tissue from within the tooth, cleaning the hollow chamber thoroughly.

This step may take some time to ensure all of the damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is properly cleaned to prevent future infection. At Pinnacle Dentistry, we use advanced techniques to make sure this part of the process is as efficient and gentle as possible.

Sealing the Tooth

After cleaning the root canals, the next step is to seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from re-entering. The dentist will fill the empty spaces inside the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which helps to stabilize the tooth and seal it off.

Depending on the tooth’s condition, the dentist may place a temporary filling to protect the tooth while a permanent filling or crown is being made.

Placing a Crown or Final Restoration

In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal will require a crown or another form of restoration to restore its shape and function. Since the tooth will be weakened after the pulp is removed, a crown helps protect it from further damage and makes it stronger.

Once the root canal is completed and sealed, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth to create a custom-made crown that fits comfortably over the treated tooth. In some situations, a follow-up visit may be required to place the crown.

Pain During the Procedure

As we’ve noted above, many people fear that the actual procedure itself will be painful, but thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure itself is typically pain-free. At Pinnacle Dentistry, we ensure that you are completely numb before we begin, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the treatment. You may feel some pressure or vibrations as the dentist works on your tooth, but this is normal and doesn’t indicate pain.

For patients who experience anxiety or have concerns about discomfort, our sedation dentistry options help you relax throughout the process. Sedation can be especially helpful if you feel uneasy about the procedure or have a strong gag reflex.

The goal of a root canal is to relieve the pain caused by infection or inflammation in the tooth. In fact, most patients report feeling significant pain relief right after the procedure as the infection is cleaned out. If you experience any discomfort during the treatment, you can let us know, and we can adjust your anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort.

Pain After the Procedure

After a root canal, some discomfort or mild pain is normal, but it typically doesn’t last long. At Pinnacle Dentistry, we make every effort to minimize any post-procedure pain by ensuring the area is thoroughly numbed during the treatment.

However, once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some tenderness or mild soreness around the treated tooth, especially if the procedure was extensive. This discomfort is usually manageable and can be controlled with over-the-counter root canal pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

It’s also common to experience sensitivity to touch or pressure in the days following the procedure, as the area around the tooth may still be healing. If a temporary filling is placed, it may also cause some slight discomfort as the tooth adjusts. In most cases, the pain should begin to subside within a few days.

If the pain is severe, lasts longer than expected, or worsens over time, it’s important to contact us at Pinnacle Dentistry so we can address any concerns, which ensures that your recovery goes smoothly and the tooth is healing as it should.

Long-Term Outcomes and Benefits

The bottom line is that root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure that can offer long-term relief and help preserve your natural tooth for many years. Once the infection is removed and the tooth is sealed, it’s usually free from further problems. Most teeth that have undergone a root canal can last a lifetime with proper care.

One of the key benefits of a root canal is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for an extraction. This is important for maintaining your overall oral health, as preserving natural teeth helps with:

• Chewing

• Speaking

• Keeping your other teeth properly aligned

After the procedure, the tooth will be restored with a crown or other restoration, which further strengthens and protects it. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, the treated tooth can function just like any other tooth in your mouth.

In addition to relieving the pain caused by infection, a successful root canal eliminates the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the mouth. This means fewer complications and a healthier, more comfortable smile over time.

Expert Guide to Root Canal Pain

So, if you or someone in your family is experiencing symptoms like persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to address the causes of root canal pain early to avoid further complications. Root canal treatment is a safe and effective solution that can relieve pain, save your tooth, and restore your oral health.

At Pinnacle Dentistry, we offer a range of root canal treatment options designed to meet your specific needs and ensure your comfort. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthier smile.