How painful is a root canal procedure?
A root canal procedure has always been regarded as uncomfortable and painful by most individuals. The good news is that this statement doesn’t hold true anymore. According to the best dentists in Mumbai, the root canal procedure has become very comfortable and relatively painless. This is due to the development in dental sciences compared to earlier times. A root canal procedure treats the diseased soft tissues of the tooth (pulp) and helps preserve the hard tissues. The best dentists in Mumbai say that a root canal procedure doesn’t hurt any more than a simple filling. Individuals undergoing it should be able to return to their normal activities immediately.
Is it painful?
Many people assume that a root canal treatment is painful, but the discomfort usually comes from the infection rather than the procedure itself. The root canal procedure actually alleviates pain rather than causing it.
Before beginning the treatment, the dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area using local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. After the anesthesia wears off, mild soreness in the gums may occur due to:
- The rubber dam clamp
- The cleaning procedure
- The use of dental instruments
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, making it difficult to predict how much discomfort one might experience. However, most patients report only mild pain after the procedure.
Why is it painful?
A root canal procedure aims at cleaning and removing the diseased nerves in the tooth. Although the nerves are no longer inside the tooth, there are still some nerve endings around the outside of the tooth that may be inflamed and irritated as a result of an abscess (infection in the tooth) or the root canal treatment itself which can cause mild pain.
How long will pain last following a root canal?
A successful root canal procedure typically causes mild discomfort for a day or two.
- The pain is not severe and should gradually subside over time.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.
- Most patients return to their normal activities within 24 hours.
If you experience severe or prolonged pain after a root canal, schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out any complications.
Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Following these aftercare tips can help speed up healing and prevent discomfort:
- Wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating to avoid accidental injury to your tongue and cheeks.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown or filling is placed.
- Stick to soft foods to prevent unnecessary pressure on the affected tooth.
- Use an ice pack externally to reduce swelling.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to keep the area clean.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid smoking for a few days after the procedure to promote faster healing.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise immediately after the treatment.
- Rest adequately to allow your body to heal properly.
Conclusion
There is no definite answer to how painful a root canal procedure is, as every individual’s experience varies. However, modern dentistry has made root canal treatments virtually pain-free. If you need a root canal, don’t let fear hold you back—getting timely treatment can save your tooth and prevent further complications.
Schedule an appointment at The Dental Bond today to receive expert dental care!