New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Many people feel a tinge of discomfort when they hear the term “root canal.” If you are among them, you may have been influenced by popular depictions in the media that paint this procedure as something painful and traumatic. The reality, though, is quite different. In fact, the answer to the question, “Are root canals painful in New Haven?” comes as a surprise to many people. Below, learn what you can expect during and after this restorative treatment.
What You May Feel During Root Canal Therapy
You can expect to feel little to nothing during the root canal procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how easy their appointment is! Here are a few reasons why you can expect a comfortable treatment experience:
- Dental techniques have evolved. A few generations ago, root canal therapy may have been quite unpleasant. Today, though, techniques and technology have progressed to the point where patients feel very little during treatment.
- Your mouth will be numbed. Local anesthesia can dull your ability to feel pain in the treatment area. You might notice a bit of pressure, but no strong discomfort should occur.
- Sedation is available. Most patients are candidates for sedation. With the help of medication, you may feel incredibly relaxed throughout your treatment.
After Root Canal Therapy
If you had a toothache prior to your root canal treatment, you can expect it to be gone after your appointment. However, the procedure itself can cause some tenderness and soreness, particularly after any anesthesia or sedations wears off. Fortunately, most people are feeling back to normal within several days. In the meantime, there are some simple steps you can take to facilitate an easy recovery:
- Take pain medication as needed. An over-the-counter pain reliever may take the edge off of any discomfort.
- Adjust your eating habits. Try to eat on the side of your mouth that did not receive treatment. It would be wise to stick to soft foods for a while, such as brothy soups, pudding, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and similar items.
- Get enough rest. Exerting yourself too much too soon after your treatment could slow down your body’s healing process, so you may need to take a day or two off of work to relax at home.
- Call your dentist if you have concerns. Complications after root canal therapy are relatively rare, but you should still be on the lookout for any signs of infection, such as severe pain, redness, or swelling. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you have any worries.
Root canal therapy is much less painful than most people believe. If you have any questions or anxiety surrounding this procedure, talk to your dentist. They will do everything they can to help you have a comfortable, positive treatment experience.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is proud to be home to a talented team of general dentists and specialists. Root canal therapy is one of several restorative treatments that we offer in our modern, comfortable office. To learn more about it or the other services we provide, contact us at 203-712-4068.