Old Wives’ Tales and the Not So Painful Truth about Root Canals
“Don’t go outside in the winter without a jacket or you will catch a cold.”
“Eating chocolate will give you acne.”
“If you swallow your chewing gum it will take 7 years to digest.”
“Holding a toad in your bare hands will give you warts.”
Fortunately, I can tell you from personal experience growing up in rural northwestern New Jersey, I’ve captured many little forest creatures in my youth, including plenty of amphibians, and my hands remain wart free.
The statements above have many names…medical myths, urban legends, old wives’ tales…call them what you wish. They are born from folklore, superstition, exaggeration, and fear. Most importantly, there is no sound evidence to suggest that any of these claims are true. Such is also the case with the following…
“Root canal treatments are very painful”…they most certainly are not. Find this surprising? Well, let me explain…
I wholeheartedly sympathize with patients who have had traumatizing dental experiences. It does not have to be that way. Dentistry has come a long way over the last 50 years with regards to patient comfort and the days of “white knuckling” the chair and having terrible pain during root canal therapy are over. Today’s local anesthetics are very effective and our methods of administration have also improved, resulting in more predictable and comfortable patient experiences. Endodontists in particular are very good at managing pain. We do it all day, every day of our professional lives. We are also very aware that not many patients look forward to visiting our office with great enthusiasm. In fact, some are mentally prepared for one of the worst experiences of their lives. This is why we spend time getting to know our patients, so that we can address their concerns, fears, and expectations. We explain the procedure in detail with the help of clinical pictures, digital radiographs, and if necessary, a cone beam CT scan (3D imaging technology). Open and honest communication is crucial, as it builds trust between the doctor and patient, reduces anxiety, and sets the stage for a positive experience.
The root canal procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia, similar to a visit to your general dentist. We have additional options to make you feel more relaxed if necessary, such as nitrous oxide and conscious sedation using Halcion (a similar drug to Valium). Endodontic treatment is typically uneventful, pain free, and surprisingly boring. I’ve had many patients fall asleep during the procedure.
Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and limited to a few days of occasional aching and biting tenderness. Patients typically return to work the next day and carry on with their activities without much incident. Symptoms are usually controlled with over the counter anti-inflammatories such as Advil (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen), although sometimes we prescribe pain medications and antibiotics if necessary.
Dr.’s Sherman, Brown, Finn and I are dedicated to providing our patients with the absolute best quality dental care. We will do whatever it takes to make sure you have an enjoyable experience and leave the office pleasantly surprised, thinking your visit was much easier than you had anticipated. Again, it is very important to remember…Endodontists ultimately take you OUT of discomfort. So don’t worry…when it comes to old wives’ tales…Cracking your knuckles won’t give you arthritis…swimming after a meal won’t make you drown…and painful experiences during root canal treatment are certainly a thing of the past.
Thanks for visiting Tri City and Fallbrook Micro Endodontics, serving the greater San Diego, CA area.