Key Takeaways
- Root canal therapy relieves pain. It doesn’t cause it.
- The procedure saves natural teeth and prevents extractions.
- St. Apollonia Dental prioritizes patient comfort and offers sedation options.
Root canal therapy has a bad reputation. While many people assume the treatment is painful, it’s actually meant to relieve pain, not cause it. Unfortunately, pop culture and everyday conversations often perpetuate false ideas about this common dental treatment.
“I’d rather get a root canal!” We’re betting you’ve heard the expression. It’s so commonplace these days that even movies like Finding Nemo reinforce the idea that root canal treatment is painful. In the film, the fish are in a tank at Dr. Sherman’s dental practice. They witness a patient shrieking in pain, and one fish remarks, “Root canal … it’s a doozy!” While the scene shows how scary and unfamiliar Nemo’s new world is, it furthers the misconception that root canal therapy is something to fear.
It’s no wonder so many of our patients feel anxious about this treatment! At St. Apollonia Dental, we take those anxieties seriously. Even though we know that root canal therapy alleviates pain, we understand that pop culture is working against that reality. That’s why we focus so heavily on patient education. One of our goals is to prove that root canals are far less intimidating than their reputation suggests. After treatment, many patients realize that the procedure was well worth the relief that followed.
What Root Canal Therapy Actually Is
It’s funny that people say, “I’d rather have a root canal,” because all of your teeth already have root canals. These canals run through the roots of your teeth. So when folks talk about “getting a root canal,” they’re really referring to root canal treatment, a procedure that targets infected tissue inside the root canals.
When the inner tissue (the pulp) becomes infected and inflamed, it can irritate the nerve and cause significant pain. That’s where root canal pain really comes from. By removing the infected tissue through root canal therapy, we eliminate the source of the pain. The result is a tooth that no longer aches or throbs.
“But, Dr. Pearson, do I really need a root canal?” Oftentimes, the answer is yes. If left untreated, the infection worsens. It damages the structures surrounding the tooth (including the bone), making it unrestorable. In other words, it’ll ultimately need to be extracted. By performing a root canal, we can save your natural tooth. That’s the goal, whenever possible.
“Dr. Pearson is the only dentist I will go to. He saved teeth when I thought they would have to be pulled.” – Russell S.
When Russell came to see us, he assumed he’d need extractions. We’re happy to report that that wasn’t the case. Dr. Pearson was able to relieve his pain and restore his natural teeth.
The Root Canal Process: Relieving Your Pain
“Just had Dr. Pearson do a root canal and it was as painless as it possibly could be. My tongue wasn’t even numb afterwards, great doctor. Matter of fact, everyone in there is so nice and polite and professional.” – Ron B.
Whether you need an emergency root canal or we schedule one to prevent problems down the line, we do everything in our power to make the procedure as smooth as possible.
We start by gently administering local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Then we place a dental dam around the tooth to keep it clean and dry as we work on it. Next, Dr. Pearson makes a small hole at the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. He’ll then remove the infected pulp tissue from the root canals and thoroughly clean inside the tooth.
Once the tooth is free from remaining infection, Dr. Pearson will fill the canals and seal the tooth with a filling. We like to place a custom dental crown at a follow-up visit for extra protection. We recommend this because studies have shown that when root canal-treated teeth are protected with a crown, they last 14 years longer than teeth without a protective cap.
After the root canal procedure, most patients experience noticeable relief right away. With the infected pulp removed, the sharp, throbbing pain ceases. While it’s normal to experience some post-procedure soreness, patients have told us that it was far less intense than the initial tooth pain.
When To See Us for Root Canal Therapy
“Simply the best! The good people here got me in last minute while I was in pain and did the job efficiently and smoothly.” – Harris A.
Not sure whether you need a root canal? If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, we may recommend root canal therapy:
- Pain that doesn’t go away or goes away and comes back
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Swelling, tenderness, or a small pus-filled bump on the gums
- Tooth discoloration (e.g., gray, brown, or overall darkening)
Give us a call if you’re experiencing any of the above issues so we can evaluate you. We’ll do whatever we can to see you promptly, especially if you’re in pain.
If you do need root canal therapy, don’t let common myths prevent you from seeking care. At St. Apollonia Dental, we use gentle techniques to keep you comfortable. We also offer sedation options for patients who need extra help staying calm and relaxed. When you talk to our team, we can determine what’s best for your situation.
Don’t Let Tooth Pain Win! Book Your Visit Today
Misconceptions about root canal therapy can make patients feel anxious about a procedure that’s meant to help them. In reality, root canal treatment relieves pain, eliminates infection before it spreads, and allows us to save your natural tooth.
If you’re in pain or think you may need treatment, schedule a consultation with us today. We’ll evaluate your tooth and help you find the most comfortable path back to a healthy and pain-free smile.
