Don't Be Afraid of a Root Canal — It's Faster, Easier, and Less Painful Than You Think

Throbbing, aching, intense sensitivity — your infected tooth can cause a great deal of pain. Ironically, you’re choosing to live with the pain you know for fear of the pain you imagine from a root canal. 

We’re here to set the record straight — a root canal does not hurt. 

At Centerport Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, our team of dental professionals, led by Benjamin C. Wang, DMD, has performed countless root canals on people who had been putting off the procedure for months or years because they believed the myths about root canal pain. But to the delight of our patients, they discover that their fears were unfounded. Modern dentistry has made root canals one of the most routine and painless procedures we do. In fact, more than 15 million Americans undergo root canal treatments every year. If you’re about to be one of them, here’s what you can expect. 

Why do I need a root canal?

We usually recommend a root canal when you have infection or decay on the inside of your tooth that can’t be fixed by a simple filling. Inside the hard outer shell of your tooth is a soft substance called the pulp that surrounds and protects the nerve. If the pulp or the nerve become infected, the pain will continue until you resolve the issue. 

Your tooth can’t heal itself. If you avoid having a root canal, the decay and infection progress and begin to affect your gums, the roots of your tooth, and eventually your jawbone. 

A root canal simply cleans out the infected area and replaces it with a substitute material to prevent bacteria from spreading. This is how a root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for an implant.

What happens during a root canal?

The first thing we do when you come in for a root canal is make sure you’re comfortable — physically and emotionally. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Wang is happy to discuss them and put your mind at ease before moving forward.

Then, we numb your mouth so you won’t feel a thing during your root canal procedure. Next comes a tiny drill to make a small hole in the top of your tooth. Then Dr. Wang cleans out the inside and removes the decayed or infected pulp and nerve, all the way down to the roots if necessary.

Once everything looks clear and clean, we add a composite filling into the now-hollow area to reinforce it. Then we seal the top, and you’re done. In some cases, Dr. Wang may suggest adding a crown to fortify the structure of your tooth. 

Most people describe the root canal experience as being similar to getting a cavity filled. It feels the same and takes about the same amount of time. Your mouth may feel a little sore for a few hours after the procedure, but most people don’t have pain. If Dr. Wang determines you need a crown as well, he gives you a temporary one following your root canal, and then schedules a second appointment for the near future to place a permanent crown once it’s been made. 

What have you been waiting for?

Now that you understand a root canal isn’t only relatively painless but can end the pain you’re in, we hope you’ll give us a call or use our handy online booking tool to set up an appointment soon. You’ve got nothing to lose but your pain.