Few dental treatments have a worse reputation than the root canal. If your dentist has told you that you need one, there is a good chance your first reaction was a little anxiety. The good news? For the vast majority of our patients, a modern root canal feels about the same as getting a filling, and it relieves pain rather than causing it.
Let’s clear up the myths and walk through what actually happens.
Why a tooth needs a root canal
Inside every tooth is a soft center called the pulp, made up of nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach that pulp, it can become infected and inflamed. That is what causes the throbbing, lingering toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, or swelling that often sends people to the dentist.
A root canal removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the space, and saves the tooth. The alternative is usually losing the tooth altogether, so a root canal is actually the conservative, tooth-preserving choice.
So, does it hurt?
Here is the part most people are surprised to hear. The pain you feel before a root canal, from the infection itself, is almost always worse than anything you feel during the procedure. We thoroughly numb the area with local anesthetic first, so during treatment you should feel pressure and movement but not pain.
Thanks to modern techniques and instruments, root canals today are far gentler and faster than they were a generation ago. Most patients tell us afterward that they were worried over nothing. If you feel anxious, we also offer sedation options to help you relax completely, from light sedation to nitrous oxide.
What recovery is like
After your root canal, the tooth and surrounding gum may feel a little tender for a few days, similar to the soreness after any dental work. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all you need, and the discomfort fades quickly as the area heals.
Because a treated tooth can become more brittle over time, we usually protect it with a dental crown. The crown restores full strength and lets you bite and chew normally for years to come. We will talk you through the timing so you know exactly what to expect.
Gentle root canals in Albuquerque
At Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, Dr. B has advanced training in endodontics, which means many root canals that other offices refer out can be handled right here, by a dentist you already know. Families from Albuquerque, Corrales, and Rio Rancho come to our northwest Albuquerque office precisely because we make a stressful procedure feel calm and routine.
If you are in pain, please do not wait. Putting off a root canal lets the infection spread and can turn a manageable problem into an emergency. Call us early in the day and there is a good chance we can see you the same day.
The bottom line: a root canal is not the painful ordeal you may have heard about. It is a comfortable, modern treatment that ends a toothache and saves your tooth.
Have a tooth that is hurting? Call us at (505) 821-6910 or book an appointment online and we will get you out of pain.