As a dentist, I hear it all the time; my patients ask, 'Is it really as bad as they say?' 'Will I feel pain?' 'Can I just ignore it and hope it gets better?' I know that the idea of a root canal can make anyone nervous. Trust me, I understand. But the truth is, I’ve seen the relief it brings and how it saves not just teeth but your smile, your confidence and your peace of mind.
Every day, I see people walk into my clinic with fear and leave with a sense of comfort, knowing they made the right choice. It’s not the monster it’s often made out to be, and in the end, it’s all about giving you the care you deserve. Let’s take a look at some common questions about root canals.
5 Common Questions about Root Canals
Here are the most common questions I hear from my patients concerning root canal therapy:
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
When the soft pulp chamber inside your tooth gets infected, you’ll probably experience severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discolouration or swelling. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact my dental clinic.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
I can’t stress this answer enough; a root canal does NOT hurt! With our modern dental techniques and local anaesthetic, you won’t feel pain during your procedure. Once your mouth is numb, the tooth pain is gone.
How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?
Depending on the complexity of your situation, a typical root canal procedure takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Once I’m finished removing the infection, I’ll add a CEREC same-day crown to strengthen and support your tooth.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Once I finish your treatment, you may feel some sensitivity and slight discomfort, but that shouldn’t last long. I’ll encourage you to get some rest, eat soft foods and take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is a Root Canal Better than Pulling a Tooth?
I always encourage my patients to save their natural teeth whenever possible, so a root canal is usually better than an extraction.
Need Root Canal Therapy in Blacktown, NSW?
If you need root canal treatment, my dental team and I will happily assist you! At Peak Dental Care, we focus on patient comfort and strive to help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.
You can call us on (02) 9831 4046 to arrange an appointment with our dental clinic.
