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How Painful Is A Root Canal?

Changing the Perception About Root Canals

How Painful is a Root Canal
  • Elite Endodontics
  • June 4, 2024

When it comes to dental procedures, the term “root canal” often evokes a sense of dread and anxiety. However, advancements in dental technology and anesthetics have made root canals more comfortable than ever before. At Elite Endodontics, we utilize the GentleWave® Procedure, a state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance the patient’s root canal experience. With the GentleWave Procedure:

  • Over 92% of patients can be treated in one appointment.
  • Over 96% of patients report mild to no pain after treatment.
  • Over 97% of patients experience fast healing

In this blog, we’ll address common questions about root canals, including pain management, duration, and treatment options.

Will I be Put to Sleep for a Root Canal?

The majority of root canal procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the affected area and ensures that you feel no pain during the treatment. This type of anesthesia allows you to remain awake and responsive while the endodontist works on your tooth, just like when you have a filling or crown done at your general dentist’s office.

For patients with severe anxiety or those requiring extensive dental work, sedation options are available. These can range from oral sedatives to intravenous (IV) sedation, which helps you relax but still remain conscious. General anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep, is rarely used for in-office dental procedures and is typically reserved for more complex surgical procedures done in a hospital setting.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated. On average, most root canals can be completed in a single appointment that lasts from one to two hours.

In some cases, a second appointment may be necessary to complete the treatment, especially if the tooth has severe infection or complications. However, with the GentleWave® Procedure, the process can be even more efficient.

The GentleWave® Advantage

The GentleWave® Procedure uses advanced fluid dynamics and broad-spectrum acoustic energy to thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canal system more effectively than traditional methods. This technology allows for a more comprehensive treatment in less time, often completing the procedure in a single visit.

Tooth Extraction vs Root Canal

When a tooth is damaged or infected, patients generally have two main options: root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you make an informed decision.

Root Canal

  • Purpose — Save the natural tooth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the canal.
  • Procedure — Involves cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth and then filling and sealing it. With its thorough and effective cleaning, the GentleWave Procedure is the modern root canal treatment preferred by patients that offers superior cleaning of the tooth, including complex cases.
  • Recovery — Generally quicker and less painful; the tooth may need a crown for protection.
  • Outcome — Preserves your natural tooth, maintaining your bite and jaw structure.

Tooth Extraction

  • Purpose — Remove the entire tooth when it cannot be saved.
  • Procedure — The tooth is pulled out from its socket, which may involve minor surgery.
  • Recovery — Can be more painful and longer; potential for complications like dry socket.
  • Outcome — Requires replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures to avoid shifting of adjacent teeth and bone loss.

Can a Root Canal Be Treated with a Natural Remedy?

While there are numerous natural remedies suggested for dental pain and minor infections, it’s important to understand that they cannot replace professional dental treatment, especially when it comes to a root canal. Natural remedies might offer temporary relief from symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of the infection.

Common Natural Remedies

  • Garlic — Known for its antibacterial properties, garlic can provide temporary relief by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
  • Saltwater Rinse — Helps reduce inflammation and cleanse the affected area.
  • Clove Oil — Contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that can help numb the pain temporarily.

Limitations

Natural remedies cannot remove the infected pulp or thoroughly clean and seal the canals, which are critical steps in saving the tooth and preventing further infection. Delaying professional treatment can lead to worsening symptoms and potential complications, such as abscesses or tooth loss.

A root canal does not have to be a painful or daunting experience, especially with the GentleWave® Procedure, which makes the process more efficient and comfortable. With modern techniques and effective pain management, most patients find the procedure to be relatively comfortable. At Elite Endodontics, our goal is to provide you with high-quality care and ensure your dental health is maintained with minimal discomfort. If you have any concerns or questions about root canal treatment, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

Find relief Today

During your visit, our Pensacola endodontists, Dr. Todd and Dr. Beam, will answer any and all questions about your oral health. We will provide a detailed financial consultation to ensure your treatments are timed effectively and affordably.

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patient testimonials

Experience 5-Star Care

Our goal is to provide our patients with the highest level of dental care available today. Read what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us! We can’t wait to do the same for you!

Brindle B.
All the staff are amazing. They were super sweet. Dr Beam and the staff took great care of me. If I ever need another root canal, I would definitely come back (but let’s hope I don’t).
Evan D.
Guys, listen..if you have ANY hesitation about dental visits, you have to go to Elite Endodontics.

As soon as I walked in, I noticed how clean, calm, and beautiful the office was that it almost feels like a spa. I was greeted with a smile, and hardly waited before Nicole called me back. Nicole is a total gem! She was kind, gentle, and made sure I was comfortable the entire time.

Dr. Todd came back with the best energy… I swear he is a part time comedian. He is so funny and super down to earth, which helped take away any anxiety I was feeling. He is extremely knowledgeable and thorough, and took his time looking over my X-ray and explaining every step in simple terms so I was sure to understand what was happening.

What stood out the most to me was how you could tell the whole team enjoyed working together, it honestly felt more like hanging out with friends than sitting in a dental chair. The procedure was virtually pain-free, and on top of that I was finished in about an hour. I never thought a root canal could be so enjoyable lol! I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true!

I received phenomenal quality care, and I couldn't be more grateful for how smooth and positive the whole experience was.
Lucinda W.
The timing was perfect, little or no pain at all I needed a tynelol, very professional staff they even call to check on me that night after the surgery
Maria L.
Great Clinic! Very modern! Excellent equipment. Very nice and helpfull staff. And most of all the doctor who took care of me was great. He explained everything with details, answered all my questions, made sure all the time if i was feeling ok. I really do recommend that clinic.
C B.
What a wonderful endodontics facility! I guess I'm finally at the age where all of my doctors are younger than me. Dr. Jared Beam is a great example of the best and brightest of the newer generation. He was friendly and reassuring, knowledgeable and highly skilled. He's also got incredibly steady and gentle hands. He spent over an hour working on me, and was careful and conscientious of my comfort the whole time.

I didn't even realize how much pain I'd been in with the infected root until he drained it all out. It felt SO GOOD. I was so scared of the root canal, as I'd never had one before, but this felt really, really good. There was some minor soreness after, but nothing like I'd expected. You get sent home with a bag with water, Motrin, and follow up care info and the office calls you the next day to check on you. The support staff and office staff were wonderful. The facility was clean, pleasant, and up to date with all the new gear and xrays for treating and imaging your teeth. They even had a 3-D, panoramic type scanner to see the roots more clearly.
I would happily go back here again if I ever need another root canal (but I really hope I do not!), and I would unreservedly recommend this office to friends, family, and strangers on a train.

After my root canal was over, I told Dr. Beam about the Turkana Boy - a ~9 year old human erectus child who died from a dental abscess 1.5 million years ago - the first known dental fatality in the human record. It just goes to show how vitally important his work (and the work of other oral care specialists) still is and always will be (because even after 1.5 million years of steady advancements and evolution, people still get infected teeth). Definitely, they are all on the side of the angels. They sure saved me!

*As a footnote, the only thing I wish - which has nothing to do with this office, but only with state law and how much things have changed since the 80's-2000's - was that they could've offered nitrous gas to help with the anxiety and discomfort and fear. My neck and face and head hurt from the tension more than the tooth that was drilled. As a kid, my regular dentist had the nitrous gas on tap for anyone with anxiety issues. It's non-addicting, especially in the situation of a single use for dental care, safe, effective - and wears off so fast, you could drive yourself home afterwards. Why the govt/FDA/DEA made it impossible to get anymore (without a special license and a huge extra expense) is beyond me. I'm sure most dentists, especially endodontists, wish they still had that available in their toolbox for certain types of treatment. In most other countries, they give it to pregnant women during labor to make things easier, so it's clearly safe. I hope that one day, a huge number of medical & dental professionals will lobby to have it available again in regular & surgical offices, for use as needed (like for dental work and other things, such as my adult daughter, who passes out at the sight of a needle). But that's a cause for another day. :)

FYI, Elite Endodontics does offer sedation pills if desired, but you've got to pay an extra fee for an observer to monitor your breathing during the procedure and I, personally, found it cost prohibitive. But if you truly can't get through it any other way, or you don't mind the extra $ for a bit of extra comfort, then at least you know it's there for you if you need it. I am an herbalist, so I crafted my own herbal anxiety remedy and that was sufficient for me, but I still would've gotten the pills if it had been a bit less $. Regardless, I do appreciate that they offer that at all - most other places do not.
Ashley C.
Incredible experience! If you have dental anxiety or autoimmune/MCAS/long covid, listen up. When a dentist told me I’d need a root canal, I was literally shaking and felt like I may pass out. I wish I was exaggerating! 😄I’ve had dental anxiety as long as I can remember.

I entered Elite Endodontics not knowing what to expect, but Dr. Todd and his staff immediately put me at ease. They took my concerns seriously but also reassured me that nearly everyone has some degree of anxiety about the experience, and that they’d be there to talk me through every step. Well, they definitely delivered!

I want to note that Dr. Todd didn’t miss a beat when I explained I’ve dealt with long covid/MCAS and immediately offered me an alternative to a medication they often use in recovery. He has a protocol he uses for autoimmune patients. If you deal with one of these conditions, you know how overwhelming it can be to find a doctor who takes you seriously.

The environment here is warm and calming, and Aleah is honestly AMAZING. I am so lucky to have had her assisting Dr. Todd for my procedure. She really put me at ease and cheered me on with her sunshine-y disposition and encouragement, and even called to check on me the following day.

Dr. Todd himself is a unicorn of doctors. He has a very calming demeanor that makes you feel comfortable and reassured, while also taking great care in the detail of his work. When the machine gave a suspicious reading about the length of my tooth root, he immediately took other imaging to verify the correct size before proceeding. As a perfectionist myself, this is a characteristic I want in someone doing a root canal. 😂

I also noticed his intentionality in using phrases that foster a sense of calm. When possible, he describes the steps of the procedure in a way that is both accurate and neutral rather than the fear-mongering terminology we’re all used to when it comes to dental procedures. They even have cute animal videos playing on the television! These details make a huge difference for patients and show Dr. Todd and his office truly cares.

As for what to expect, believe it or not, my root canal was pain-free, and I was done in an hour! They’ll make sure your tooth is fully numb before beginning, and the most I felt was a tiny poke from the numbing shot. The next day, I had a moderate amount of soreness/sensitivity, and now that I’m on day two, I hardly feel anything.

If you’re considering traveling to this office, I would recommend it without hesitation. I’m so grateful my dentist recommended them!
Michelle D.
I can say nothing but the most positive things about Elite Endodontics. Dr. Todd and Leah were the best! I needed a root canal, my face was swollen, and I was in a lot of pain. They worked me in the same day, and as far as I'm concerned, they saved my life. The entire office staff was polite and caring. Dr. Todd and Leah lightened the mood and took away all of my fears. Within a couple of days, I was back to my previous self. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend them to everyone I know. Thank you, Elite, for all that you did for me!
Irena O.
I was referred to this office from my dentist and I’m really pleased with the work they did for me. Everything went smoothly and they followed up with me the next day.
Toad F.
Had to get a root canal and Elite Endodontics was recommended by my dentist. Absolutely painless and the staff were professional and very friendly. I would absolutely recommend them!
Danil P.
Dr. Todd at Elite Endodontics is Professional with a friendly touch. I have had bad experiences with Dentists before. Dr. Todd performed a root canal and explained the procedure as he progressed. The relatively painless procedure was performed in less than an hour with care for my comfort. The office is modern and staff friendly. I recommend Dr Todd at Elite Endodontics for Excellent dental care.
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