The last thing you want to wake up to in the morning is pain. It throws a huge wrench in your schedule, making much of what you wanted to accomplish that day nearly impossible or extremely difficult, especially if the pain is severe. If one thing is true, it’s that waiting to get the pain examined or treated will not do you any favors. In fact, severe tooth pain is considered a dental emergency and putting it off could make whatever issue you’re having even worse.
That’s where root canals in Lincoln come in. If you have bad tooth pain, you very well may need one to save your tooth.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Unlike other dental conditions, it’s pretty easy to tell when a root canal is needed. When patients eat or drink, it’s common to feel the occasional sensation of tooth sensitivity, especially if the food or beverage is very cold or hot. When determining if you need a root canal, the key factor is if you’re experiencing an aching pain in your mouth that won’t go away.
For example, if you wake up in the morning or in the middle of the night with severe tooth pain, that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. This could be because of an infection underneath the tooth root or because of abscessed tooth applying pressure to the nerves inside your tooth. This pain is not felt only while eating or brushing; it is a constant state.
I Hear That Root Canals Hurt…
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not painful procedures. Root canals are meant to be the treatment for the pain you’re likely experiencing now. The pain people are most likely associating with root canals is either the pain from infection beforehand or the soreness the typically occurs after receiving oral surgery.
If you put off your root canal treatment, not only will the pain not go away, but the chances of saving the tooth go down dramatically. If left untreated long enough, the tooth will have sustained too much damage to be saved and it, along with the rest the disease portions of the pulp, will need to be removed.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal treatment typically takes about an hour to two hours to complete. Before any surgery is done, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to reduce as much pain as possible. Any discomfort that you do feel during your treatment is minimal because of the numbing effects the anesthetic provides.
Once the dentist has completed your root canal, you’ll feel significantly better than you did before. It’s the only way to cure your aching pain as well as prevent your infection from spreading further.
Still not sure if Lincoln root canals are the answer? Schedule an appointment with your Lincoln dentist today to learn more about the treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Amy Wenninghoff earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota before moving to Nebraska with her husband to complete her residency. After joining Williamsburg Dental, she became a member of the ADA, the Nebraska Dental Association, and the Lincoln District Dental Association to stay updated on the latest advancements in dentistry. To learn more about root canals in Lincoln or visit the practice, contact her at (402) 420-2222 or visit her website.