The tooth is always numbed first so you are comfortable during the procedure. A device called a rubber dam is placed on the tooth to isolate it and to keep the inside of the tooth from saliva contamination. A small access is made to the pulp using the dental handpiece. Then the inside of the tooth is gently shaped, disinfected, and filled with an inert material. Its reputation as a painful dental experience is mostly undeserved.
Many patients present in pain and find the endodontic treatments bring great relief.
During the procedure you will be numb and we can always give you more anesthetic if you feel anything. Most patients have little or no pain after the procedure. Some people will have some mild post procedure discomfort which is usually manageable with over the counter pain medications. Even rarer is the patient who experiences severe pain postoperatively, and in this case we will give a prescription for a stronger pain medicine. The root canal treats the inside of the tooth.