Root canal pain has a bad reputation — but most of that dread comes from anticipation, not the procedure itself.
At Norge Dental Center, we want you to know the anticipation and avoidance are almost always worse than the actual procedure. Most people assume root canals are painful, but once you know what’s actually involved, it’s easier to see the procedure’s value — and that it's not nearly as bad as its reputation suggests
In fact, if you don’t get that root canal, you will undoubtedly experience pain from an infection that spreads, eventually leading to tooth loss, which is far scarier and more costly than a root canal. And today’s sedation options make the procedure much more comfortable than most people expect.
So what happens in a root canal, and what does it accomplish? Below, we have highlighted the basics of a root canal.
If you’re ready to schedule your root canal appointment, contact the experienced dentists at Norge Dental Center today
Now that you know the basics, here is a closer look at the actual restorative dental procedure. To decide whether a root canal is necessary, your dentist will first do an X-ray to assess the situation. If a damaged or infected nerve is found, a root canal appointment will be scheduled.
Once you are in the chair, the dentist numbs the area completely before starting and makes sure the incision area is dry — this is the step most people are anxious about, and it's also where most of the discomfort myth falls apart. Sedation and anesthesia options range from staying conscious but relaxed to being fully asleep through the procedure. Talk with your dentist about your comfort level and what would be best for the procedure.
From there, we access the nerve — or pulp — through the top of the tooth, remove the infected tissue, and clean out the inside of the tooth. A temporary filling seals the top of the tooth until your next visit.
On your second visit, we place a more permanent filling or crown. Depending on the severity of the infected tooth, we may also prescribe medication. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, with only mild soreness for a day or two — over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough.
How do I know if I need a root canal? Common warning signs include:
Not everyone has warning signs. Sometimes only your dentist can catch it, which is another reason regular checkups matter.
Our dental team at Norge Dental Center understands that patients may be uneasy about root canals and other dental work. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about a root canal, don't wait — schedule an appointment with Norge Dental Center today. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect. And the next time someone says "I'd rather have a root canal," you'll know they might actually mean it — in a good way.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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