Feel Pain Relief Through A Root Canal – What You Need To Know

By Author: Mission Hill Dental
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Often, root canals are done because a tooth is infected and a person is in pain. The goal of this blog on root canals is not to be painful and demystify the world of root canal treatment. This comprehensive guide will cover all aspects of this common dental procedure, including what root canals are, the step-by-step process, duration, pain management, the choice between treatment and extraction, and the crucial role of dental crowns for long-lasting results. If you are located in St. Albert, we’ll guide you to the trusted professionals at for your Root Canal Treatment needs.

What is a Root Canal? and https://www.missionhilldental.ca/feel-pain-relief-through-root-canals-what-you-need-to-know/ Root Canal Treatment
Root canals, in the realm of dentistry, are often a misunderstood and even feared term. However, they are a vital dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has been compromised by infection or damage.

A soft tissue known as dental pulp is at the core of every tooth beneath the enamel and dentin layers. This pulp contains blood ...
... vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and it plays a crucial role during the tooth’s development. Once fully mature, a tooth can function effectively without the pulp.

However, when the dental pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma, it can cause severe pain and lead to more significant oral health issues. Here’s where the root canal comes into play.

Root canal treatment or therapy is a dental procedure aimed at removing the infected or damaged dental pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. This process effectively saves the tooth from extraction while relieving the patient of pain and discomfort.

Root Canal Treatment
This shows the Root Canal. The dental pulp is shown in red.

What happens during a Root Canal procedure?
Typically a root canal treatment can take one or two hours to complete

Step 1 – Numb the tooth
The first step is numbing the area of the mouth around the tooth that is being worked on.

Step 2 – Cleaning
After the tooth is numb, Dr. Dimitrov will clean out and shape each root canal

Step 3 – Filling
After the cleaning the root canal, the canal is then disinfected and a filling will be applied. Often a crown is recommended to prevent any future fractures.

Root-Canal-Treatment
Root canals are highly successful procedures, with a success rate of around 95%. They relieve pain and allow patients to retain their natural teeth, preserving their bite and appearance. Modern dentistry and expertise from education and experience make treatment an effective and essential solution for saving teeth and maintaining oral health.

How Long Does Treatment Take?
One of the most common questions patients have when facing a treatment is, “How long will the procedure take?” The duration of a root canal can vary depending on several factors, but in general, it is a relatively efficient and quick procedure.

On average, a treatment can be completed in one to two appointments, each lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. However, it’s essential to understand that this is a broad estimate, and the actual time may differ based on the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated.

Here are some factors that can influence the duration of a root canal:

1. Tooth Location: The location of the affected tooth in your mouth can impact the time required for the procedure. Front teeth typically have fewer canals and are often less time-consuming to treat than molars, which have multiple roots and can be more intricate.

2. Infection Severity: The extent of the infection within the tooth also plays a role. The procedure may be shorter if the infection is limited and hasn’t spread to the surrounding tissues. However, it may take longer if the infection is severe and requires more extensive cleaning and disinfection.

3. Complications: Occasionally, unexpected complexities can arise during the procedure. For example, some roots may have unusual anatomy or additional branches that need attention. These factors can extend the treatment time.

4. Prior Dental Work: If the tooth has had previous dental work, such as large fillings or crowns, this can also affect the duration of the root canal. Additional time may be needed to remove and replace these restorations.

The actual steps of the procedure include accessing the pulp chamber, removing infected or damaged tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth, and filling and sealing the canals. The dentist will also determine whether a dental crown is necessary to protect the treated tooth.

In some cases, particularly complex or challenging situations, your dentist may choose to complete the root canal in multiple appointments to ensure thorough treatment and optimal results.

If you’re concerned about the duration of your upcoming root canal or have questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your dentist. They will provide you with personalized information and make sure you are comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Does Treatment Hurt?
The prospect of a root canal procedure often brings up concerns about pain and discomfort. However, it’s important to understand that modern root canal treatments are far less painful than their reputation suggests. In fact, the primary goal of a root canal is to relieve pain, not cause it.
Here’s why you should not be overly worried about pain during a procedure:

1. Local Anesthesia: Before the root canal procedure begins, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This numbing agent ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure when the anesthesia is administered, but this discomfort is minimal compared to the pain relief it provides.

2. Advances in Dental Techniques: Dental technology and techniques have significantly improved over the years. Dentists today have access to better tools and methods, allowing them to perform root canals with greater precision and efficiency. This means less time in the chair and a reduced likelihood of discomfort.

3. Dentist Expertise: A skilled and experienced dentist will work diligently to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. They are well-trained to perform root canals with minimal patient discomfort. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know so they can make adjustments or provide additional anesthesia as needed. Dr. Dimitrov at Mission Hill Dental has been performing Root canal treatments for over 30 years.

4. Post-Procedure Care: After the root canal, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness, which is entirely normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. This discomfort typically lasts only a few days and is a positive sign that the infection and the source of pain have been successfully addressed.

It’s crucial to remember that a root canal is not a source of pain but a solution to alleviate pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth. By addressing the underlying issue, the procedure helps restore your oral health and comfort.

Furthermore, avoiding or delaying a necessary root canal due to fear of pain can lead to more severe oral health problems and increased discomfort over time. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been recommended a root canal by your dentist, it’s best to proceed with the treatment to prevent the condition from worsening.

While the idea of a root canal may sound daunting, it is a relatively painless and essential dental procedure that can provide long-term relief from toothaches and save your natural tooth. You can trust the advancing technology in dentistry and the expertise of dentists, such as Dr. Dimitrov to ensure a comfortable and successful root canal experience.

How Does a Dental Crown affect a Root Canal?
The Role of a Dental Crown: A dental crown is essential to the root canal treatment process. It serves several crucial functions:

Strength and Protection: A crown strengthens the weakened tooth, preventing it from breaking or fracturing. Without a crown, the treated tooth is more susceptible to damage, especially if it’s a molar with the force of chewing.

Sealing the Tooth: Crowns seal the tooth entirely, preventing bacteria from re-entering the treated canals. Sealing the tooth helps to avoid reinfection, which could necessitate retreatment.

Restoration of Function: A crown restores the tooth’s functionality, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. Without a crown, the tooth may not function optimally, leading to difficulties in eating and potential misalignment issues.
How Long Should it Be Before a Dental Crown is used?
Immediate Post-Root Canal Period: Following a root canal, your tooth is vulnerable. While the infected or damaged pulp has been removed, the tooth’s structural integrity may be compromised. To protect the tooth and prevent further damage, your dentist typically places a temporary filling over the access opening. This temporary filling is not as durable as a dental crown and is intended to safeguard the tooth until a permanent crown can be placed.

Duration Without a Crown: While a temporary filling can provide some protection, it is not a long-term solution. Dentists typically recommend placing a permanent dental crown within a few weeks to a month after the root canal procedure. Delaying the placement of a crown beyond this period can pose risks:

1. Tooth Damage: The longer a tooth remains without a crown, the greater the risk of it becoming weakened, chipped, or fractured. The tooth may not be salvageable in severe cases, leading to extraction.

2. Infection Risk: Without the sealing effect of a crown, the treated tooth may become vulnerable to reinfection, undoing the benefits of the root canal.

3. Pain and Discomfort: An uncrowned tooth may be more sensitive to temperature changes and pressure, causing discomfort or pain.

Should I Get a Root Canal or an Extraction?

Facing the decision between root canal treatment and tooth extraction can be a pivotal moment in your dental care. Both options have their merits, but the choice largely depends on various factors, including the condition of the affected tooth, your overall oral health, and your personal preferences. Here’s a closer look at when each option may be the right choice:

Root Canal Treatment
Preserving Natural Teeth: One of the primary advantages of root canal treatment is its ability to save your natural tooth. Keeping your natural teeth is generally the preferred option, as it maintains your natural bite and appearance.

Pain Relief: Root canal treatment is specifically designed to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with an infected or damaged tooth. You can regain oral comfort by removing the source of infection and preserving the tooth.

Oral Health Benefits: Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain the integrity of your jawbone and neighbouring teeth. It prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and minimizes the risk of bite alignment issues.

Cosmetic Considerations: From an aesthetic standpoint, preserving your natural tooth is often more desirable than having a gap left by an extracted tooth. Replacing a missing tooth with options like dental implants or bridges can be challenging and expensive.
Tooth Extraction
Severe Damage or Decay: Extraction may be the best choice if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed to the point where it cannot be effectively restored through root canal treatment. In such cases, extraction prevents further complications and risks associated with a problematic tooth.

Cost Considerations: Root canal treatment, while highly effective, can sometimes be more costly than extraction followed by a prosthetic tooth replacement. If budget constraints are a significant concern, extraction may be a more economical choice.

Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, tooth extraction is part of an orthodontic treatment plan to address overcrowding or misalignment issues. Your orthodontist will work closely with your dentist to determine the best approach.
Ultimately, a consultation with a dentist like Dr. Dimitrov will assist in the decision between root canal treatment and extraction. They will assess the condition of the affected tooth, consider your overall oral health, and discuss your preferences and concerns. Their expertise will guide you toward the most suitable option to achieve the best possible outcome.

It’s important to remember that while extraction may seem like a simpler solution, it often comes with the need for tooth replacement to maintain proper oral function and aesthetics. Before deciding, carefully weigh the pros and cons with your dentist to ensure the choice aligns with your long-term oral health goals and overall well-being.

Where Can I Get Root Canal Treatment in St. Albert?
In conclusion, root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure for alleviating pain, preserving natural teeth, and maintaining oral health. Modern dentistry and expert care ensure minimal discomfort during the procedure. It’s essential to prioritize the timely placement of a dental crown following a root canal to ensure long-term success.

If you’re in St. Albert and need root canal treatment or have questions about the procedure, trust Mission Hill Dental for expert care and a comfortable dental experience. Don’t let the myths and fears surrounding root canals prevent you from achieving a healthier, pain-free smile.