For many people, few phrases in dentistry cause as much anxiety as “you need a root canal.” The procedure has a long-standing reputation for being painful, but it’s a reputation that is now decades out of date.
So, let’s answer the question directly: thanks to modern technology and effective anaesthesia, a root canal treatment today is typically no more painful than getting a routine filling.
The biggest myth about this procedure is that it causes pain. In reality, a root canal is designed to do the exact opposite: it is the solution that relieves the severe pain caused by a deep tooth infection.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Advanced gum disease
- A dental abscess (a build-up of pus)
When the pulp is damaged, it can cause a range of symptoms. You may need a root canal if you are experiencing a persistent, severe toothache, pain when chewing, a pimple or boil on your gum, a swollen jaw, or if you notice a tooth has become darker in colour. This treatment is designed to save your natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction.
The Modern, Painless Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding the process can help demystify it and ease any anxiety. A root canal is a highly skilled and routine procedure that focuses on removing the infection and protecting the tooth for the future.
- Numbing the Area: The first and most important step is ensuring you are completely comfortable. Your dentist will administer a topical anaesthetic and then local anaesthetic to fully numb the tooth and the surrounding gum. You will be awake but will not feel any pain during the treatment.
- Removing the Infection: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the inner chamber. Using tiny, specialised tools, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from inside the tooth’s canals. It’s a common misconception that the tooth’s roots are removed—this is not true; only the soft tissue inside the roots is cleared out.
- Cleaning and Filling: Once the pulp has been removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using specialised rotary files to eliminate any remaining bacteria. The empty canals are then filled and sealed with a flexible, rubbery, inert dental material called gutta-percha.
- Sealing and Restoring the Tooth: A temporary filling is placed to seal the opening in your tooth. Because a tooth that needs a root canal has often lost a lot of its structure, a permanent crown is usually required to protect it from future damage and restore its full function as well as sealing it off from further infection. This is typically done in a follow-up appointment.
After the Treatment: Recovery and What’s Normal
After your root canal, you can expect a straightforward recovery.
- The First Few Days: As the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some mild to moderate soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity in the area. Your jaw might also feel a little sore from being open during the procedure. This discomfort is temporary as your body heals and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Supporting Your Healing: To ensure a smooth recovery, you should eat soft foods for a few days, avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed, and maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine.
- What’s Not Normal: While mild soreness is expected, severe or throbbing pain that lasts for more than a few days is not. If you experience this, along with significant swelling, a fever, or a feeling that your bite is uneven, you should contact us immediately.
Saving Your Tooth is Always the Best Option
A root canal is a highly successful treatment designed to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Nothing can replace the look and function of your natural tooth, and this procedure allows you to keep your smile intact for a lifetime.
If you are experiencing a persistent toothache or any of the other symptoms mentioned, please don’t let fear hold you back from seeking help. At Kennett Road Dental Practice, our priority is your comfort. Contact our friendly team in Oxford today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you get out of pain and on the road to recovery.
