Does Getting a Root Canal Hurt?

Many people cringe at the very mention of a root canal treatment. In fact, claiming you would rather get a root canal than do something else is a fairly popular statement. This is likely due to the infamous pain caused by treating a tooth with an infected nerve supply or pulp. Fortunately, this statement actually holds little meaning, because root canal treatments our your dentist in West Hollywood do not, in fact, cause pain, and only very little discomfort.

The key thing to remember about treating an infected tooth is that it is supposed to eliminate the pain. If you are suffering from this dental issue, you are likely in serious pain. Your dentist performs a root canal to alleviate that pain, while still allowing you to keep your tooth. The lack of pain is due to the numbing agent, and in fact, the shot that numbs your gums in the infected area is likely the only part that will hurt.

Any discomfort usually comes from two main factors. You will be required to keep your mouth open for a long period of time. You should be supplied with a block that can prop your jaw open and relieve some of the strain of keeping it open on your own, but it can still be a cause for discomfort. The second source is the length of the treatment. A root canal treatment usually requires two appointments, both lasting some time, as your dentist has a lot to accomplish in order to get your tooth back to its intended functionality. However, due to the lack of pain, some patients have found that they are able to relax during this time.

For more information about the details of root canal treatments, contact our root canal dentist in West Hollywood.