how do u know when u have a root canal? if u do? what does the dentist do? DOES IT HURT??

Answer 1

If you have a toothache that keeps you awake at night, then you probably need a root canal. The dentist needs an x-ray of the tooth first.. then they will get the area numb (with a needle but they put topical gel on the area first so you won't feel the sting of the needle.) Once you are numb you should not feel a thing.. Good dentistry is pain-free these days. The dentist then drills into your tooth, exposing the nerve to remove it. Then the canal gets filled in with a material so that the tooth isn't hallow. The tooth then needs a crown (cap) because since the tooth is now dead (no vital nerve in the tooth) it is not as strong as it used to be. Some dentists will do a filling on a root canal tooth, but that's a horrible idea, it should just be crowned and be done with it. But don't fear, good dentistry does not hurt.

Answer 2

I've had two or three over the years and I can tell you that the root canal doesn't hurt near as much as the decaying or rotten tooth. but then, you either know that already, or you're gonna know. I think it was a bit uncomfortable having somebody having his fingers down in my mouth, reaching back to the molar that needed the root canal, and I didn't like sitting there with the dentist and assistant looking down my mouth and having that sucking tube in there to catch excess saliva and water that the dentist has to use in his work, but truly I can tell you that other than the discomfort of having to go to someone's office and have them have their fingers down your mouth, and dealing with your own fears and anxieties of "going-to-the-dentist", there's absolutely nothing to worry about. I had my first one done back in 1970 (yes, the Dark Ages :-))) !), and even way back then the dentist had his office so well set up that it was absolutely no pain whatsoever. And the latter one or two I had done in the 1990's were equally painless. They were just an inconvenience. Truly, here, the biggest fear you have to deal with is your fear. It could never be more true than here. Don't be as chicken as my wife who dang near needs blood pressure medicine every time you even mention the word "dentist". Just go in and be ready to deal with your own anxieties, which can be very trying, and realize dentists have done this as many times as they've done fillings or teeth cleanings. You'll do just fine, and you might even be a bit embarrassed at your fears of going to the dentist in the first place. Everyone is, to one extent or another, but you'll do great. Trust me on this one. God Bless you.

Answer 3

If you have a toothache really badly go to your dentist and he/she will be able to tell you if you need a root canal done. I had to go to a root canal specialist, he numbs you up really good. I only felt it a couple times when it felt like a wire going down in my gums, which only lasted a second and wasn't bad at all.

Answer 4

hi,
I have to get a root canal too this monday and My tooth never hrut either, it was a routine cavity fill and the dentist said i HAVE to get a root canal...of course i freaked...I hate pain and dentists, but they explained it will be completly numb and wont hurt during, just maybe sensitive afterwards. The dentist im goign to go to is a specialist and is charging me $1,000 for it since i do not have dental insurance.....its rediculouse the amount of mooney that they get out of us for teeth.....

Answer 5

if the tooth is very painful is the main reason to have one and yes it can hurt but doesn't have to, the dentist takes a drill(dont flip not like you think) and remove your nerve in your root its a simple procedure, and it can hurt after wards and shouldn't during the process if it hurts after wards you take some medication that the dentist prescribed(can be ordinary Tylenol)

Answer 6

I'm a nurse. The dentist numb you pretty good before he/she starts. You will feel pressure maybe during the procedure. Make sure you inform the dentist of you feelings so he could ease your mind. You will feel uncomfortable after you are home and the medication wears off. Follow all the aftercare instructions and please call him/her with any concerns.

Answer 7

I suggest to you the following link, because no one will be able to answer your question as detailed as this website.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_canal