How to Ease the Pain Before a Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure used to preserve a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. We know nobody wants to have a root canal, and it is preferable to prevent it if possible by taking care of your teeth. However, fears about root canals have been exaggerated in the public imagination. The dental procedure is not as painful as it has been reputed to be. If you have ever had a filling, you can handle a root canal.

Tips To Avoid Getting a Root Canal in the First Place



If you already have a severely decayed or infected tooth, it may be too late to avoid a root canal. At that point, the only alternative is to extract the tooth, a dental procedure that dentists in Lake Jackson, TX, prefer not to perform. However, if you do not already have teeth that are infected or damaged, the best way to avoid a root canal is to take care of your teeth early. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing once per day. It also means seeing your dentist for cleanings and examinations on a regular basis, especially when you don’t yet have pain.

Your dentist will tell you the interval at which you need to have dental cleanings and examinations. For most patients, dentists recommend check-ups twice a year but can also choose to have them at more frequent or less frequent intervals.

How To Know if You Need a Root Canal



The damage to a tooth that may need a root canal can cause severe tooth pain, especially when biting or chewing. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold. If the discomfort lingers after the stimulus is gone, it could be a sign that you need a root canal.

You may notice a swelling on your gums that resembles a pimple. This may be a dental abscess that forms when an infected tooth starts producing pus. Treatment is required right away to treat the abscess; otherwise, the infection could spread to other parts of your body.

An infected or severely damaged tooth may occur with no signs or symptoms, and you may have no idea that you need a root canal procedure at all until your dentist informs you. This is another reason why regular check-ups are so important so that the dentist can identify early signs of oral health issues before they become an emergency.

If you require a root canal, your dentist will try to schedule it as soon as possible. However, it may take several days before your dentist can perform the procedure. If you are experiencing tooth pain in the interim, there are things you can do to control it until your appointment:



Due to the anesthetics you receive, you shouldn’t experience any pain during the root canal procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort afterward. This is temporary and usually mild. Your dentist should give you instructions following the procedure to help you manage the discomfort. The instructions may include avoiding pressure on the affected tooth from chewing and taking over-the-counter medication for pain. Follow up with your dentist as instructed and continue with your usual oral hygiene routine during your recovery.

If you wait to have your root canal performed, your condition could worsen. Waiting unnecessarily could make the procedure more complicated and the treatment more expensive. All Smiles Family Dental Care performs root canals and other dental services in Lake Jackson, TX. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.