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What Causes Pain in a Root Canal

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Part of the video series: Do I Need a Root Canal?

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Summary: Tooth pain from a root canal. Learn why root canals are so painful in this dental health video from an experienced dentist.

Views: 551 | Tags: tooth, dental, teeth, surgery, dentist, root, oral, canal, surgeon

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About the Expert

Michael Chen Michael Chen is presently teaching courses about implant dentistry to other dentists. They range from introductory to advance courses. Dr. Chen uses implant c... read more

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Video Transcript

What Causes Pain in a Root Canal

For the most part, when we think about a root canal, we think about pain. Long term pain and discomfort. That's why there is a negative stigma around root canals. The main thing is that the pain is felt because we procrastinate. We allow the infection in the chamber to build and build and build. The tooth is a solid structure. It cannot expand. When bacteria enters to attack the nerve tissue, blood vessel, and everything, this area is filled up with fluid; the byproduct; the debris; the bacteria. By doing so, this area is basically is solid. Everything that is starting to extrude outward to the end of the root (any opening). If it cannot do so, the pressure builds up. It's that pressure that causes the discomfort and irritation. That's why a lot of patients get an antibiotic to kill bacteria and start the healing process. Sometimes in very severe cases, the antibiotic takes to long to have an effect and we have to surgically cut open the area to allow the pus and debris to drain. Once it drains, the pressure is gone. If hot and cold sensitivity exists or you can't chew on the tooth, it lingers. Then, you know you will need a root canal. You should do it ASAP. When you do it ASAP, a root canal is like doing a simple filling. Very straight forward and very easy and it heals nicely. Those that allow the bacteria to build, the treatment takes longer and the healing takes longer. That's the difference. That's why we perceive the root canal being difficult and painful. The truth is the process can be painless.

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