Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Of all modern dental treatments, root canal is probably one of the most feared. Does a root canal hurt? Actually, root canal treatment is not any more painful than other standard restorative procedures, such as fillings. Here is more about why root canal is nothing to be feared and how our endodontist performs the procedure.

Root Canal Is Not Really Painful

Why does a root canal hurt no more than a filling? Because, just like fillings, root canals are performed under anesthesia. In addition to being painless, the treatment actually relieves pain associated with tooth infections. Instead of fearing this treatment, patients can welcome it as it will restore their oral comfort while letting them avoid tooth extraction and its complications.

Standard Root Canal Procedure

Our endodontist starts root canal treatment by administering local anesthesia to the treatment area. Using X-ray images for reference, our endodontist next drills into the tooth in order to reach the pulp inside. After scraping out the pulp and replacing it with a medicated packing material, our endodontist installs a barrier and fills the tooth. Finally, in many cases, our endodontist caps the tooth with a crown to normalize its appearance and protect it.

Does a root canal hurt? No, it does not. However, patients who still experience anxiety about upcoming root canal treatment can ask our endodontist about sedation options that will help them stay relaxed during the procedure. For more information about why root canal does not hurt, patients can contact our Los Angeles endodontist to schedule a personal consultation.

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