A common question about root canal therapy in Ellicott City, Maryland, is, “Does it hurt?” If it appears that you’ll be needing a root canal therapy procedure, you may wonder if a root canal or pulpotomy are still painful with the current advances in technology.
While it is true that certain procedures are less comfortable than others. There have been many advances in both techniques and technology over the years, drastically reducing the discomfort of virtually every procedure across the board.
Even procedures that require endodontists to access the inner tooth, such as root canals and pulpotomies, have greatly benefited from these advances.
It’s understandable to assume these procedures are painful, but under the careful eye of an endodontist, the actual expected pain and discomfort from a pulpotomy or root canal today is minimal.
If you require a pulpotomy in Ellicott City, Maryland, Access Endodontics can help. Dr. Burton Waxman, Dr. Lina Jarboe, and their caring team of dental professionals strive to provide pain-free pulpotomies, saving smiles with minimal discomfort.
Contact your dentist or call us at 410.304.7226 today to learn more.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
As this particular procedure is most often performed on children who still have their primary teeth, it’s not uncommon for an adult patient to be unaware of the procedure. So, what is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a procedure designed to treat an infected tooth, similar to root canal therapy; however, while a root canal involves the full removal of dental pulp from the inner tooth, a pulpotomy only involves the dental pulp in the tooth’s crown. The crown is the visible part of the tooth. Whereas the invisible part is known as the root.
Pulpotomies are designed to protect the root and preserve more of the natural tooth.
What Makes a Good Pulpotomy Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a pulpotomy if you have:
- A deep cavity
- A broken tooth
- Inflamed dental pulp
- Healthy surrounding bone and tissue
Speaking with your dentist is the best way to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for a pulpotomy.
Is a Pulpotomy Painful?
The notion of having your inner tooth accessed and cleaned might seem inevitably painful, but in reality, the biggest pain of pulpotomy treatment is more likely the inconvenience it presents.
If you are concerned about the pain of pulpotomy treatment, do not stress. During the procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. This means that while you’re receiving your pulpotomy, you won’t feel a thing.
You can also take advantage of sedation dentistry to make the process even more comfortable.
Of course, there can be a little discomfort involved in a pulpotomy procedure. There may be some swelling and tenderness afterwards. Also, your endodontist will warn you against eating certain foods until you are ready.
Overall, this takes between 24 and 48 hours. Your dentist will likely suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever during this time. Make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your endodontist to avoid pain or other complications afterward.
You don’t want to have to return for more treatment, nor do you want to open your already compromised tooth to further infection, decay, or other issues while you continue to heal. If you follow these instructions carefully, you should be just fine.
Get a Pulpotomy in Ellicott City, Maryland, from Access Endodontics
Access Endodontics can save your teeth and improve your quality of life with a pulpotomy. Reach out to your dentist for a referral or contact us today by calling 410.304.7226.