Root canal treatment has a bad reputation. Any time you see a root canal in the media, it’s represented as a painful, terrifying procedure that patients should be afraid of. But the truth is, root canal treatment is no more painful than any other dental procedure we provide! Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, root canal therapy is relatively comfortable and provides pain relief to patients in Butler and beyond. We use this procedure to remove signs of infection and relieve pain when needed. But many patients still aren’t sure what a root canal entails. If you have questions about root canal treatment, visit Brockley Dental Center in Butler, PA.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Root canal treatment generally provides pain relief, not pain.
A root canal involves creating an opening in your enamel to access the inner parts of your tooth. Then, using specialized dental tools, we remove any infected tissue or pulp. While this may sound like an invasive and painful procedure, most patients actually find it quite comfortable!
At Brockley Dental Center, we use local anesthesia to numb your smile before starting treatment. And for patients with dental anxiety, we offer a few different sedation options to help keep you calm throughout your appointment. Additionally, our office has adorable therapy dogs on staff to comfort anxious patients.
In most cases, patients feel a little discomfort for the first few days after the procedure. But you can typically manage any pain with over-the-counter medication, and it usually fades within 3 to 5 days.
Do Root Canals Provide Pain Relief?
An infection inside your tooth can cause intense, lasting pain, especially if bacteria reach your nerves.
A root canal helps clear your infection and relieves the dental pain you’re experiencing! Most patients tell us that the pain they felt before a root canal is much worse than any discomfort the root canal causes afterward.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out our testimonials page for reviews from real patients talking about their experience.
“Dr Brockley and his entire staff gave me excellent care, explaining thoroughly what was being done. I was very nervous because I never had dental issues before. My previous dentist missed an infection which rapidly worsened, BUT Dr. Brockley to the rescue!! He cleared up the infection, did a root canal, and a crown. I was awake the entire time without pain in his skilled hands. The kindness and first class care shown to me were exemplary along with the Doctor’s expertise. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a dentist who is compassionate, kind and extremely skilled. Thank you Dr. Brockley, Keike, and the entire staff.”
– A. S.
If you’re experiencing dental pain, we urge you to give us a call. We may be able to get you in the same day with an emergency appointment for quick, effective pain relief!
Is It Better to Pull a Tooth or Have a Root Canal?
Some patients say they would rather have their tooth pulled than sit through a root canal. However, that thought is misguided.
In general, it’s best to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Natural teeth have important structures that help keep your jawbone healthy and keep you chewing effectively. Without these teeth, you’ll need to find and pay for replacement teeth in order to maintain your oral health.
A root canal not only provides pain relief, but also helps prevent tooth extractions. By removing the infection, we can save your healthy tooth to keep your smile functional. After we remove the infected pulp, we fill the tooth with a rubber-like material and cover it with a dental crown. This tooth-shaped cap helps prevent reinfection and keeps your tooth strong enough to use effectively.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
There is a common misconception that root canal treatment is a temporary solution. Many patients believe it only lasts a few years, and then their tooth will need to be extracted anyway. This is not the case. With good oral hygiene, your root canals can last for many years, and maybe even a lifetime!
Of course, you’ll need to take good care of your teeth if you want your smile to last. We recommend brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush and flossing regularly. In some cases, we encourage patients to use a water flosser rather than regular floss, as it’s able to get between your teeth and around your gums for a more thorough cleaning.
Experience Root Canal Pain Relief in Butler, PA
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the truth is, this treatment provides incredible pain relief. When an infection spreads into the inner part of your tooth and infects your dental pulp, it can cause intense pain. Root canal treatment involves removing infected tissues to relieve dental pain! If you have questions about root canals, we urge you to visit our office in Butler, PA. There, we’ll answer any questions you have about treatment and work with you to find a solution that suits your needs.
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