Creative Commons image by Christing K (Flickr).
Although the thought of a root canal (also called endodontic therapy) might make your blood run cold, the truth is, most patients find them no more difficult than having a simple filling done. You will be numb for the procedure itself, and while you might be sore the next day, you should not have severe pain. If you’ve recently been told that you need to have root canal therapy, here’s what you can expect.
You Might See a Root Canal Specialist
While your general dentist may perform root canal therapy, some patients are referred to an endodontist, or root canal specialist. This is because endodontists have the specialized equipment and expertise necessary to treat difficult cases. If the canals in your teeth are very narrow or curved, or if you have had a root canal before that has failed, your dentist might send you to a specialist. On the other hand, if your root canal therapy is expected to be done without any complications, it might be more convenient for your general dentist to perform it. Discuss the options with your dentist as to who would be best able to do the procedure.
You Won’t Have Pain During the Root Canal
Despite the stories you might have heard, today’s root canal procedures are generally very simply on the patient’s end. You will receive enough local anesthetic to completely numb your tooth. If you feel any twinges of pain, you’ll get more anesthetic.
If you have a severe infection, this can impact how well the local anesthetic works. In that case, your dentist will do everything possible to get the infection under control before performing the root canal. You might need to take antibiotics before and after the procedure; always follow the directions carefully and take all of your medication.
It Will Be Hard to Keep Your Mouth Open
One thing that bothers many patients is the need to keep their mouths open for an hour or so while the root canal is being done. Toward the end of the procedure, it’s imperative that no saliva enters the tooth, but during the beginning and middle stages, you can take a break if you need to. Also, your dentist can offer you a bite block, which gives you something to rest your jaw on. If you’re having trouble staying open, tell your dentist and he or she will come up with a solution.
You Might Be Sore Afterward
Some patients experience soreness after the procedure. It comes from keeping your mouth open for so long and also from the procedure itself: The tendons and ligaments under your tooth have spent an hour being poked, so it’s normal that they are tender. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol) are enough to control the pain. Occasionally, something stronger is needed. Talk to your dentist or endodontist about your pain if it is bothering you for more than a day or two or if it is more severe than what can be handled with a mild painkiller.
Most patients are relieved after their root canals are completed, and they find that it was not anything to stress out over. If you need to have endodontic therapy, please call our office to schedule an appointment or to be referred to a specialist.
