Root Canal Surgery: A ‘Routine, Painless Procedure’ According to Experts

No other form of dental treatment has such a bad reputation as root canal surgery. Indeed, the term has become synonymous with excruciating pain, and most people freely admit they’d rather experience virtually anything else than go through it.

Outdated Opinion?

However, the notion that this type of dental treatment is agonizing is largely out of date. Admittedly, rewind a few decades, and root canal surgery was not a pleasant experience. However, in the 21^st century, technology and treatment has made significant advances, and actually, most people who have root canal surgery claim that it’s not really very painful at all.

A Painless Procedure?

In a recent survey undertaken by the American Association of Endodontists, it was found that patients who had received root canal treatment were six times more likely to describe it as painless than those who had yet to experience one.

‘Now, it’s a very routine, painless procedure,’ says Dr Rob Roda, president of the association.

Technology Has the Answer

The reason the procedure is now largely painless is due to considerable development in medicine and technology. The development of a technique called an intraosseous injection, which enables the endodontist to place anesthetic directly next to the affected tooth, helps minimize pain. Likewise, the development of Articaine, a specialist anesthetic that can penetrate bone, has reduced a lot of the discomfort associated with the procedure.

This, combined with more advanced instruments, such as files, microscopes and diagnostic equipment, means that endodontists are able to perform the treatment quickly and relatively painlessly.

Treating the Problem Sooner Rather than Later

One thing does still remain as true today as it did decades ago, it’s easier to perform root canal surgery the earlier you catch the problem. If you experience pain in your tooth, it’s never a good idea to ignore it and hope it will go away!

Instead, book an appointment with your local endodontist, who will perform a thorough examination and recommend the best possible treatment to treat your affected tooth.