Root canal also endodontic treatment is a procedure that was designed to treat an infected tooth, stop possibilities of future infection and save the natural tooth. The procedure involved the expulsion of the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfection of the resultant space inside the tooth after which the tooth is filled and sealed. The pulp which is removed contains a lot of blood vessels and is responsible for the growth of a tooth however once the tooth is fully developed it can do without the pulp and alternatively receive nourishment from surrounding tissues.

Is the root canal procedure painful?

With modern medicine and getting a root canal can be a generally painless experience. The dentist will induce the area with aesthetics making you numb which will prevent you from feeling any severe pain during the procedure. Typically, when a root canal treatment is inducing dental anxiety you should always remember that the pain which you feel when in need of the procedure is a lot more than what you may feel during the procedure itself. It is normal to experience some discomfort once the numbing medicine wears off however this can by managed pain relievers.

Sometimes patients may continue having some sensitivity issues a few days after the procedure which is not normal. These special cases may result for various reasons which may include;

• Instrument damage.

Sometimes, the dentist may slip when cleaning the toot canal after extraction of the pulp and damage surrounding sensitive tissues. This may result in sensitivity extending to a few days after the procedure.

• Uneven filling.

Assuming the temporary filling is not smoothened down to an appropriate level, your mouth will bite relatively harder on that spot compared to the rest which may result in soreness and consequently come pain which will require correction

• Swollen tissue around the gums.

Even after extraction of infected pulp from the tooth, there are tissues and other small nerves surrounding the tooth. If these areas were inflamed, it is possible to experience some discomfort after the procedure.

All in all, any discomfort associated with the procedure should go away within a few days. You should otherwise visit the dentist again if the discomfort persists for professional intervention.

Signs which show you need a root canal procedure.

• Pain.

One of the most common signs that you require a root canal is a toothache. You may experience some hot and cold sensitivity if the tooth is still alive and sometimes the pain may persist into a headache which may even potentially make you forget what caused it in the first place.

• Abscess.

An abscess is an infection that results when a tooth’s pulp dies leading to the formation of a pus pocket at the root ends. You may notice a bad taste in the mouth or pus draining from a pimple sized bump on the outside of the gums that forms as a result of the abscess.

• Cavity.

If you have a deep cavity with the decay extending deep into the tooth’s pulp, a bacterial infection will result in the pulp making it inflamed and painful. A root canal is the only way through which the dentist will be able to get all the decay and take out the affected nerve as well.