At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we understand what tooth pain really means for patients. It’s more than just discomfort—it can disrupt your entire day. From difficulty eating and speaking to struggling with daily tasks, tooth pain can seriously impact your quality of life. Fortunately, Dr. Zirakian provides root canals to alleviate your pain so you can feel like yourself again. Although root canals have a scary connotation, they actually help save teeth from extraction and offer much-needed pain relief.
Research shows that, on average, a tooth lasts about 11 years after a root canal. Despite their frightening reputation, root canals do much more good than harm! Though it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, it’s far milder than the pain caused by the infection itself. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective root canal pain relief options to ease post-procedure sensitivity.
What Is a Root Canal?
Where does the term root canal come from? While many think of the phrase as just the procedure, a root canal also describes the inside of your tooth! Inside the tooth, past the outer layer of enamel and dentin beneath it, lies the pulp chamber. This part of the tooth houses the pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. The root canals begin at the pulp chamber and extend through the roots of the tooth.
When bacteria reach the pulp inside your tooth, an infection develops. This infection causes pain and inflammation and can spread to your gums and nearby teeth if not treated quickly.
So, what can help? A root canal! Dr. Zirakian will start by thoroughly numbing the infected area to ensure you’re comfortable. Over 2-3 visits, he will carefully remove the infection by making a small opening in the tooth, accessing the pulp, and cleaning out the canal.
Once the canal is cleaned and the infected pulp is removed, Dr. Zirakian will seal the space with a rubber-like material to protect it from bacteria. Finally, he’ll place a crown—a tooth-shaped cap—over the tooth to prevent further infection and restore your smile to full function and appearance.
Despite the nature of the procedure, root canals provide more pain relief than they do pain. While you might feel some sensitivity afterward, it’s mild compared to the intense pain caused by an infected tooth. Post-procedure discomfort is manageable, unlike the often excruciating pain of an untreated infection.
Pain Relief Techniques After a Root Canal
After a root canal, your tooth may feel sore for a few days. These simple techniques can help you heal quickly and comfortably:
- Take over-the-counter medication: Pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin can help ease root canal discomfort.
- Rinse with salt-water rinse: Swishing with salt water can reduce inflammation, but to avoid irritation, wait at least 24 hours after your procedure.
- Apply a cold compress: Ice packs are classic remedies for pain relief. Gently hold an ice pack to your cheek for short intervals to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
- Elevate your head: Keeping your head elevated prevents blood flow to the area, reducing throbbing pain.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth, which can cause discomfort and delay healing.
- Relax and rest: Give yourself time to recover. Overexertion can prolong healing and increase discomfort.
If you’re in pain for more than a few days or it gets worse, please contact our office.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Zirakian helps patients like you every day, relieving their pain with expertly performed root canals.
Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain Today!
Tooth pain can be debilitating and severely impact your daily routines. Fortunately, Dr. Zirakian offers root canal treatment to save infected teeth and avoid unnecessary extractions. With root canals, you can take back control and leave tooth pain behind!
Schedule a free exam at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a renewed smile with minimal recovery time. Get back to feeling like yourself again!
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