Root canals don’t cause pain, they relieve it.

It’s a common misconception that having a root canal procedure done can be extremely painful. However, the pain being experienced is usually caused by an infection in the tooth, not by the root canal treatment. A root canal is preformed to eliminate that pain. The root canal procedure itself is typically painless.

Many teeth that need root canal therapy will not cause pain. But that does not necessarily mean the tooth is okay. If the tooth’s pulp is damaged or infected then you will probably need to have a root canal, even if the tooth doesn’t hurt. If you see something near a damaged tooth that looks like a pimple, see your dentist. The “pimple,” called a fistula, is a tunnel of tissue draining pus from an infection. There is no pain because the fistula keeps pressure from building in the tissue. It can come and go. The infection must be treated, and the tooth probably needs root canal treatment. Without treatment, nearby tissues will become infected.

The whole point of root canal therapy is to try to save a tooth, not to remove it. Your tooth and roots are not removed. The canals are cleaned and shaped on the inside only. The nerve tissue and pulp are removed along with some of the inside part of the root to ensure all the bacteria has been removed.

Once you have received root canal therapy, you will need to make follow-up appointments to have a permanent filling or crown put on the tooth. The temporary filling that is placed after the pulp has been removed will protect the root from infection for only a short time. A permanent filling or crown must be placed to ensure that bacteria doesn’t leak into the canal.

Have you been experiencing tooth pain or noticed anything strange along your gum line? Book your appointment with Bellingham Dental Group today! (360)734-6190