Root Canals Are NOT Painful

For whatever reason, root canals have earned a scary reputation. Here at Montevallo Family Dentistry, we are here to set the record straight:

Root Canals Are Not Painful!

A root canal is a procedure done on a severely damaged or infected tooth in order to relieve pain. Teeth are living features inside the mouth. Each tooth has its own lifeline, with roots and nerves and its own personal blood supply. While tooth enamel is the hardest substance inside the human body, it is not invincible. Cavities, decay, trauma, and infection can all cause a tooth to die a prolonged and painful death. Root canals are performed to save a tooth to avoid extraction, and they are done to alleviate the incredible discomfort that is involved with a damaged tooth.

The root canal procedure is relatively standard throughout the United States, done almost daily at most dental practices. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the process. Once the tooth is numbed, there are four simple steps involved in a root canal:

  1. The damaged tooth is fully opened.
  2. Any infection or decay is removed from the inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are also removed.
  3. Antibiotics are administered to the tooth to kill any lingering bacteria and to prevent any infection from spreading to neighboring teeth or into the gum line.
  4. The tooth is completely filled and sealed to protect it from future damage.

At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we appreciate that not everyone enjoys visits to the dentist as much as we do. Yet, we also understand that the health of your teeth is highly important. If you have any discomfort inside your mouth, please do not put it off. Ignoring tooth pain will not make it go away; it will only make it worse. Contact our dental practice today for exceptional and comfortable dental care.

Posted on Behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry