Is root canal therapy really painful?
I am a 30-year-old adult. I have an abscessed tooth and it is paining terribly. Just came back from the dentist and he has told me he is referring me for root canal treatment. But I am frightened as I have heard that it is a quite paining option. Had anyone had done the root canal therapy before? Is it painful? How long does it take? I know it will be expensive! But the dentist says it's the only way to save my teeth otherwise I will have to do implants which will be much more expensive. What should I do? Is extraction a good alternative?
@AndreaLaster
Hello there...
Sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your teeth and that they are recommending a Root Canal...
I have personally never had one myself. But everyone is different. And you can't expect that your situation will be like someone else's (whether good or bad).... My suggestion would be if they are recommending this, then its for a good reason. An "abscess" is not something to take "lightly" as being a nurse myself, it can lead to much worse off complications.
I'm not sure if your dentist has discussed all of your options with you, or if you have talked with them about your fears, and questions. The best thing might be for you is to write all of your questions down , and get them answered by the dentist themselves. If you are having doubts about what your dentist is telling you, then perhaps even getting a "Second" opinion can help?
Ultimately, in the end, nobody can "tell" you what to do and it will be a decision/choice that you will have to make for yourself. So I really would try getting your questions answered and making an "informed" decision based on your particular needs.
Best of Luck to you!
@AndreaLaster
I’m sorry you’re dealing with that level of pain. The good news is that for most people, a root canal is not the painful part, the infection is. With modern local anesthesia (and sedation options if needed), treatment is usually very manageable, and many patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. In terms of timing, an uncomplicated case is often completed in about 60–90 minutes. If the infection is significant or the tooth anatomy is complex, it may take two visits (may also need apicoectomy, worst case). After treatment, it is common to feel mild soreness for a few days, especially when there has been an abscess. Extraction can be faster up front, but it often leads to additional procedures later such as an implant or bridge, which typically costs more and it becomes a foreign material (though they are biocompatible). You can checkout our Biocrede Endodontics website that answer the root canal therapy question If you develop facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing or breathing, or rapidly worsening symptoms, treat that as urgent and seek emergency care. Hope you get relief quickly.