Are root canals painful? Endodontics: broken down by our dentist at Byfleet Dental
When it comes to the world of restorative dentistry, many people are less than enthused when told that they need to have a root canal.
Despite its nearly 100 years of use in dental care and the countless smiles and teeth it has saved, it is regarded as one of the most unpopular of all dental procedures. Many patients have heard rumours about it being unpleasant, causing discomfort and even killing the tooth that it is performed on.
Luckily, none of this is true and, in simple terms, a root canal prevents the need for a dental extraction which can cause issues with aesthetics, functionality and can even cause the surrounding teeth to move out of line. Yikes!
As a root canal is a fairly standard procedure, our team at Byfleet Dental have used it to restore countless smiles, allowing our patients to keep all of their teeth. If you are told that you need a root canal, our dentist in West Byfleet will happily explain the procedure to you fully, allowing you to decide if you wish to have it performed or if you would rather opt for an alternative treatment.
But what are some of the myths that surround this form of endodontics? Our dentist in West Byfleet provides the answers to some mistruths and common questions about root canals.
I’ve heard it will be uncomfortable?
Firstly, a root canal would never be performed before the area is sufficiently numbed.
Also, as such a procedure is only likely to be performed due to either an infection or facial trauma, our dentist in West Byfleet can assure you that it is more likely that you will experience an immense decrease in discomfort once the procedure is over.
Does it kill the tooth?
In short, no.
A root canal removes infected debris from the pulp of the tooth; it does not involve removing the nerve or any other part of the tooth which may kill it.
How long does the procedure take?
If you are having a root canal performed on a molar, it is likely that this will take 2 sessions.
These will typically be spread over a 5 day period. If you are having a root canal performed on one of your front teeth, then this can be accomplished in 1 session, which may take up to an hour.
I’ve heard that root canals can fail- is this true?
It is true, but exceedingly unlikely.
If during the diagnostic X-Rays our team discovers that your tooth roots are malformed, we will send you onto a specialist who can ensure that the procedure is successful. However, generally, root canals have a long-life, with many lasting the duration of a patient’s life with no issues or need for re-application.
How long do they last?
As mentioned before, if performed correctly, a root canal should last the rest of your life without failing.
If you are concerned that there is an issue with your root canal, contact our team promptly.