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Does A Root Canal Hurt?
A root canal is a procedure to save a tooth that has suffered severe trauma, decay or infection. Does a root canal hurt? Well that is very subjective. Everyone has a different tolerance to pain. Dentists differ in their techniques and bedside manner. So what may be painful to one person is just uncomfortable to another. With that being said many people say it is no more painful than getting a filling. The procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp of the tooth and cleaning and sealing the inside. If left untreated the surrounding tissue can become infected and an abscess may develop.
The nerve of the tooth runs through the root canal. Within this root canal is the pulp. If a tooth is damaged to the point where the pulp and interior of the tooth is compromised, bacteria and decay can cause an infection. This infection can lead to an area of Pus that forms near the end of the tooth's roots. The infection or abscess can lead to other medical issues. These other issues may include, swelling of the face, neck or head and loss of bone around the tooth as well as others.
A root canal may require more than one visit to the dentist. The actual procedure involves numbing the area and the drilling a hole into the tooth. The pulp, bacteria and decayed nerve tissue is then removed from the tooth. When the tooth is completely clean it is sealed. If there is extensive infection the dentist may treat the infection and wait a week or so to complete the root canal.
To finish up the process the interior of the tooth is filled with a rubber compound called gutta percha. Often a tooth that needs a root canal has a large or cracked filling, so after the root canal and crown may be needed.
A crown is basically a cap on the tooth. It is formed from a mold of your tooth before the root canal begins. So when finished it looks like your original tooth without any fillings.
Most root canals are very successful. Often the tooth will last a lifetime after the treatment. And if it was finished off with a crown, there will be no visible indication the tooth has had any work done on it.
The cost of a root canal varies depending on many factors, such as the dentist, insurance and the complexity or complications of a specific case. It also varies based on the tooth itself, for example a molar may be more costly than an incisor. So this is just a general estimate. The price range could be from $350 up to $1000. Dentists and endodontist's can perform root canals. Endodontist's specialize in treating the interior of the tooth. Their fees may be higher than the dentist.
So the next time someone asks you, does a root canal hurt, you will be able to answer them and hopefully put them at ease. If it is yourself that is in need of a root canal, hopefully this article has given you an idea of what to expect and help reduce your anxiety.