A Visit To The Endodontist Doesn't Have To Be Painful

When you tell a friend or family member that you have an appointment with an endodontist, you are likely to be told a horror story about a particularly gruesome root canal. There are several myths surrounding this procedure, many of which have been perpetrated by a small handful of people who are the exception rather than the rule. A root canal can be painful, but it can also be surprisingly effortless. Since new techniques have been introduced and questionable ones dropped, there is far less reason to be anxious about undergoing the treatment. 

Pain is largely an individual experience. Everyone feels sensations differently, and some more strongly than others. In addition to pain, the anticipation of it can cause anxiety and other distressful emotions that will intensify any actual aching that is felt. Mentally preparing yourself before undergoing the procedure can help you relax and will ease some discomfort. Some patients choose to meditate, listen to classical music, or even take a nap so that they feel well rested and peaceful. If you are feeling anxious, speak with your endodontist beforehand and they may be able to make some suggestions to help ease your worries. Additionally, the earlier you come in for a root canal the less pain there will be. Tissue will not be as inflamed and sensitive to the touch, so the anesthesia shots, which generally are the worst part, will not be nearly as painful. 

So the good news is that if you don't feel too much pain before surgery, during and after should be a breeze. However, a few people have extremely inflamed teeth where the root is still very much alive and throbbing. These are the more tricky and uncommon cases that are likely the source where most horror stories have arisen. It may take several shots of anesthesia before it takes effect. In some cases where it is too difficult to anesthetize the tooth, the top will be drilled open so that the anesthesia can be directly injected into the infected pulp. While uncomfortable, it only takes a few seconds and the area should numb quickly afterwards. 

Another fear many patients have about the endodontist is failure of the initial root canal. Fortunately, the failure rate is low and estimated to be no more than 5% of all cases. A failed root canal can occur when the root has fractured, a canal has been missed, or due to rejected binding material. Bad habits such as teeth grinding can also cause damage and result in the need for a follow-up procedure. So while you may run across the odd patient who has undergone two or three for the same tooth, don't assume that you will be one of them. It is also telling to learn the date when these so-called nightmarish root canals were performed. There are many archaic techniques that have not been utilized in decades, but their memory still lingers on in those unfortunate enough to have had to suffer through them.