Root Canal Treatment in Phenix City

“I’d rather get a root canal.” You’ve undoubtedly heard that saying before. The fact that people regularly compare unpleasant experiences to root canals makes it hard not to conclude that root canals are extremely painful.

The truth is that the only thing painful about a root canal is not getting one when you need it. We perform root canals when an infection or damage reaches the pulp at the center of a tooth; this tissue is rich with blood vessels and nerve endings, which makes it especially sensitive. Patients who need a root canal experience intense toothaches and pain. Most are surprised that the root canal treatment itself doesn’t hurt at all.

With modern techniques and local anesthesia, there’s very little discomfort involved in the root canal procedure. The goal of a root canal is to save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction, which can lead to further complications like bone loss in the jaw and changes to facial structures.

The first step in a root canal procedure is opening up the affected tooth. The pulp is then removed and the chamber of the tooth is cleaned. If needed, an antimicrobial solution is used to prevent reinfection. A rubber-like material fills the chamber to replace the pulp, and then a dental crown, filling, inlay, or onlay is used to seal the tooth.

When you choose Complete Family Dental, your entire root canal can be done under one roof, including the endodontic treatment and the crown. Because our office uses CEREC technology, there is no need for a temporary restoration after your root canal—you’ll be able to get your tooth treated and a crown placed all in the same appointment.

Although the root canal itself is usually painless, you may have some soreness and sensitivity after the procedure. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief. You can eat after your treatment, but many patients prefer soft foods for a day or two afterwards while their tooth is still sensitive.

Because local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area before we start any work, root canals are not painful at all. Most patients say it’s no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.

A root canal typically takes around 90 minutes.

The most common complaint is pain—patients may experience either constant toothaches or sharp pain when eating, putting pressure on the tooth, or with hot and cold sensations. Sometimes there is a small pimple or bump on the gums near the affected tooth, and the tooth sometimes appears darkened.

When your mouth is no longer numb, you can safely eat again. Use your judgment and common sense, though—it’s probably not the best idea to snack on almonds right after a root canal treatment! Most patients find soft foods like soup, applesauce, and yogurt to be more comfortable in the hours after the procedure.

A tooth has a very rich supply of blood vessels and nerves that exist both inside the tooth and surrounding it. A root canal eliminates the affected tissues inside the tooth and seals it off while maintaining the living tissue surrounding the tooth. The tooth will no longer have a sensation to hot or cold but can still sense pressure while chewing.