Will a root canal in a not-infected tooth hurt?

Question

I have a very, very small cavity in a molar, but after four shots of novicane I still felt it when the dentist started drilling, and apparently it's because I grind my teeth, not because of any infection. He said I should have a root canal to get it fixed. I looked up root canal information, but it's all in relation to an infected or heavily damaged tooth, which mine is not.

So, would it hurt in my type of situation?

I have a very, very small cavity in a molar, but after four shots of novicane I still felt it when the dentist started drilling, and apparently it's because I grind my teeth, not because of any infection. He said I should have a root canal to get it fixed. I looked up root canal information, but it's all in relation to an infected or heavily damaged tooth, which mine is not.

I'm mostly nervous because from what I know the endodontist won't use anything different than what my dentist did, and he used four shots of his strongest stuff and I still felt everything, even though he only grazed the area.

I've seen this dentist all my life, and have never had a problem with him before. This is the first time I could not be numbed, and the first time he's ever said the words "root canal" to me. He also doesn't perform the root canal himself, he referred me to another doctor.

Answer 1

Hi Bob! I wouldn't worry to much about it. An endodontist will numb you in a different way then a general dentist would. You really shouldn't feel to much. The endodontist that I work for has done three root canals on me and I never felt anything at all. Whenever I see my general dentist for a filling I always seem to feel it more.

As far as needing a root canal with just a small filling,it is definitely possible.A root canal is done when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected which could be from many different causes.Deep decay,repeated dental procedures on that tooth,or a crack or chip in the tooth could all be reason for a root canal.Even a tooth that doesn't have a filling could need a root canal . Usually in case like that, it's from a blow to the tooth like a fall or getting hit with a ball.

Try to relax and not worry so much. Most of our patients are very surprised how easy root canals are these days. Don't believe all the horror stories you hear.Good luck,I hope all goes well.

Answer 2

There are some people who are very hard to numb. Tellyour dentist you need Maracaine. It is strong and long lasting. You can always feel the vibration, feel pressure, and hear what is going . I had one patient that would go numb an hour after we finished! We started having him come in, numb him and wait in the waiting room for an hour until it worked. Some people have nerves that are just in weird places. Warn the dentists ahead of time. If all your teeth are sensitive to the air from grinding, it may be if they cover the other teeth some of your discomfort may go away. Bring your Ipod for the noise or ask if they have earphones and music player.If you really have trouble, they can precribe medication to take the night before and an hour before to help relax you. Root canals are a little more in depth than a filling, but it should be just tender when finished. Don't chew hard stuff on it for three days.Keep alight diet, mashed potatoes, spagetthi instead of steak.

Answer 3

BOB,
IF AFTER 4 SHORTS YOU STILL COULDN'T GET NUMB MAYBE THIS DENTIST DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO GIVE CORRECT INJECTIONS. JUST THE FACT THAT HE SUGGESTED A ROOT CANAL FOR A TOOTH WHICH HAS A SMALL CAVITY AND NO OTHER CLINICAL REASONS FOR A ROOT CANAL LEADS ME QUESTION WHY YOU WOULD EVEN NEED ONE.
GO TO A DIFFERENT DENTIST FOR A SECOND OPINION AND MAYBE SOMEONE WHO CAN GET YOU NUMB.
THERE IS A SPECIAL INJECTION THAT CAN BE DONE DIRECTLY INTO THE BONE THAT SURROUNDS THE TOOTH OR THE DENTIST COULD HAVE GIVEN YOU A DPL INJECTION THIS ONE HAS A HIGH SUCCESS RATE.
ps., this tooth of yours was probably a lower molar or bicuspid right?

Answer 4

i don't think so because when you get a root canal the doctor is basically drilling a hole in the center of your tooth trying to pull out the nerves and so once the numb medication wheres off then you start to feel the pain a bit and it would start to swell a little from the area your doctor worked on. did he/she prescribed you to take pain killer mine did after having the procedure done. though if you still think it might be infected then why not call your dental office and ask the dental assistance or ask the doctor to answer this question, hope this helps get better soon.

Answer 5

Some people are just harder to numb than others...it doesn't mean you need an expensive procedure like a root canal.

I had a lower molar pulled Tuesday and it took 7 injections to get me numb -- this was actually the fewest I've ever needed, so my dentist and I were both pleased.

Answer 6

A root canal for a small cavity? That ain't right. You can find one of them relaxation dentist. They give you a pill and you don't feel a thing.
Do you have insurance? If you do then the dentist might be just trying to get them to pay for a root canal
Go to this site for indept info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_canal

Answer 7

Make sure you get enough Novocaine. I've had 3 root canals, no problems.

Answer 8

Possibly some pain if frozen but I felt nothing and the whole thing was done very fast for the $800.00 it cost me.

Answer 9

Find a new dentist, the one you have sucks.