DO ROOT CANALS HURT? LEARN THE TRUE CAUSE OF TOOTH PAIN IN NORTH PORT

It’s a common misconception that root canals cause significant pain and discomfort. However, what if a dentist told you that it’s not actually the cause of the pain people experience? Any time people think about getting a dental treatment done, such as dental fillings, root canals or tooth extractions, they often believe the treatment itself is causing the pain.

Today, a dentist is busting that myth and four others about root canals and tooth pain in North Port to keep people informed on the facts!

Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful

When a tooth becomes infected, it’s the infection itself that is eating away at the pulp and nerve tissue inside it. In contrast, root canals are intended to open, irrigate and disinfect teeth, not cause pain. Furthermore, all root canal treatments start with numbing the area in question, so there’s no reason to fear the treatment itself.

Myth #2: Root Canals are Pointless Since Extraction is Inevitable

Root canal treatments have an average success rate as high as 95 percent. This means that for an overwhelming majority of people, not only does their tooth not require extraction, but it lasts for many years after surgery. As long as you take the proper steps of aftercare from the dentist, there’s no reason the treatment shouldn’t be totally successful.

Myth #3: Teeth No Longer Feel Pain After a Root Canal

While the nerves inside the tooth are removed and therefore no longer feel sensitive to hot or cold food or beverages, it doesn’t mean the area around the tooth won’t feel pain. Luckily, the dentist can prescribe medication to reduce this problem during your aftercare.

Myth #4: Future Dental Visits Won’t Be Necessary for a While

Root canal therapy requires a follow-up appointment in order to have a permanent crown placed on top. When the alternative is dealing with additional pain and eventually needing the tooth extracted, it’s always worth it to attend this second appointment instead.

Myth #5: Root Canals Are Unnecessary If Pain Isn’t Present

Infected teeth are just as likely to not cause pain and still need a root canal. Since tooth infections occur in the center of teeth where the pulp lies, there’s no way to know for sure if the pulp is damaged unless you see a dentist. This way, they can perform X-rays and catch fistulas (a tunnel of tissue that’s draining pus from the infection) underneath gum and bone tissue.

The reason pain isn’t present is because the fistula prevents pressure from building inside the tissue. Without treatment, the infection will only spread, which is particularly dangerous because of its proximity to the brain.

Don’t believe the myths behind root canals. Get your toothache in North Port treated before it’s too late!

About the Author

Dr. Paul Stein earned his DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. If you’re experiencing chronic tooth pain, swelling, fever or other symptoms related to an infected tooth, you can contact him through his website.