Root Canals Without the Fear: Calm and Pain-Free Treatment

You could have the best dental health regimen possible. You may brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, as your trusted Cincinnati-area family dentist recommends. You floss every day. You never miss a checkup or professional cleaning. However, you may eventually need a root canal.

But don’t worry. Root canals aren’t nearly as painful as people think. Dental technology and numbing agents have advanced to such a degree that you hardly feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some pain the next day, but you can easily mitigate it with over-the-counter pain medication.

Here’s how to have a painless root canal and recover as comfortably as possible.

Root Canals Don’t Cause Pain. They Treat It

What you may not realize is that the most painful part of a root canal is often what leads up to the need for the procedure. Most people require a root canal because the nerve of the tooth has become infected or damaged. This can be extremely painful. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons people call in for dental emergencies.

The root canal will remove the infected pulp deep inside the tooth. The nerve is removed and typically replaced with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Once treatment is completed, you won’t have to worry about the infection or pain worsening. You’ll be able to return to chewing, brushing, and flossing without the pain you recently suffered through.

Modern Root Canals Are Easier Than You Think

Thanks to advancements in dental science and pain-numbing technology, most patients feel little to no discomfort during a typical routine root canal procedure, according to the American Association of Endodontists.

So, don’t worry. We’ll give you the pain-numbing medication you need to get through the procedure calmly. You won’t feel a thing. Ask if you can bring in your headphones to listen to some music. If the room has an overhead screen showing TV shows or movies, take advantage of it and let your mind wander.

Pain Treatment After the Root Canal

You may experience some discomfort in the days following your root canal. Sometimes, the pain can be severe without anti-inflammatory medication such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. We may prescribe something stronger. Just ask.

If the pain is severe enough, apply an ice pack to the affected area. You may also treat the pain and swelling with clove oil, available at most drugstores or in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Swishing with salt water can also ease inflammation and provide relief.

You could also treat the pain with a benzocaine medication like Orajel, which can temporarily numb your gums and any inflamed tissues. You can find it at most pharmacies.

It’s also a good idea to sleep or rest on elevated pillows to reduce potential bleeding. Doing so can ease gum and nerve pain, as well as facilitate blood flow in a single direction.

Make yourself a cup of peppermint tea and drink the tea when it has reached a comfortable temperature. Take the warm tea bags and use them as a compress against the swollen area.

Root Canal Support from Your Cincinnati Dentist

The pain and swelling typically subside within a few days after a root canal. If the discomfort persists or gets worse, contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we care about your recovery just as much as we do about getting you through the initial procedure. We’re available for regular office visits and even emergency appointments if you can’t wait. Contact us at our Blue Ash Office at 513.489.7800, or use our online contact form to get in touch with us.