Root Canals: Facts to Ease Your Mind

There’s a common misconception that endodontic treatments like root canals cause pain and discomfort and should be avoided at all costs. But the opposite is true. The pain, discomfort, and expense of avoiding a root canal treatment can lead to tooth loss or other costly dental procedures.  

As a root canal expert, highly experienced in relieving pain, Dr. Juan M. Carrillo’s top priority is tooth preservation. At Soothing Dental Care in Richmond, Virginia, his friendly and compassionate staff understands dental anxiety, and they work hard to ease your mind before procedures like a root canal.

Dr. Carrillo can complete a root canal treatment in one visit, minimizing stress and providing fast pain relief. The longer you delay treatment, the higher the risk of tooth loss and additional pain. If you’re still feeling nervous, here are some facts to ease your mind.

Why do I need a root canal?

You may need a root canal to relieve pain, remove infection, or save your tooth. Here are some signs that may indicate you need a root canal:

• Severe pain when chewing or biting
• Broken tooth
• Cracked tooth
• Deep decay
• Sensitivity to heat or cold 
• Swollen or tender gums
• Darkening of the gums

Beneath your tooth's enamel is a hard layer called dentin. Under that is a delicate connective tissue called the pulp. When the pulp is injured or diseased, it causes an extreme amount of pain because that's where all your nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue form your tooth root.  When this tissue is inflamed, infected, or damaged, you need a root canal to prevent more pain, abscesses, or tooth loss. 

What happens during a root canal?

A root canal treatment removes bacteria from an infected root canal to avoid reinfection of the tooth and to protect the natural tooth.  Dr. Carrillo removes the unhealthy pulp, then carefully cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth. Finally, the cleaned root canal is filled with gutta-percha (a material similar to rubber that’s a safe and sturdy replacement for natural pulp) and sealed against bacteria.

This quick and convenient procedure relieves your pain and protects your tooth. Dentists treat and save millions of teeth this way every year, relieving pain and restoring oral health.

Does a root canal hurt?

A root canal is no more painful than a routine dental procedure. Thanks to modern techniques and effective anesthesia, this treatment is almost painless. You’ll probably feel a pinch as Dr. Carrillo injects the numbing medication into your mouth, but the pain is over in seconds. After that, you won’t feel any part of the root canal procedure. The staff at Soothing Dental Care is committed to your comfort. 

You may experience some soreness or mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but the recovery is far less painful than living with a tooth infection.

Are you experiencing tooth pain?

After a root canal treatment, you can look forward to eating the foods that you love without the fear of pain. Plus, you’ll save your natural tooth while limiting the need for costly dental work in the future. With successful oral care, a root canal treatment lasts a lifetime.

Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? Don’t wait until the toothache is unbearable. Call Dr. Carrillo today at 804-201-9459 to make an appointment. You can also reach out by sending us a secure message online.