I’m Nervous About My Upcoming Root Canal Procedure

Among dental treatments, root canals have developed a (false) reputation for causing a lot of pain. The truth is that root canals aren’t designed to cause pain. They’re designed to relieve the pain of a severely damaged or infected tooth. Root canals can even save teeth from extraction.

Still, it’s normal to be nervous about a root canal, especially given the many misconceptions out there. If you’re scheduled for a root canal at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, Dr. David Blaustein offers these tips to ease your worries.

1. Learn more about root canals

Fear of the unknown can cause undue stress and worry. In the case of a root canal, the best way to combat fear is to learn more about the procedure. 

The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected pulp material from the inside of your tooth. Pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and infections in this area, whether caused by cracks, chips, injury, or severe decay, can kill your tooth. 

Removing the infected pulp preserves your tooth and can help you avoid the unpleasant symptoms of an infection, such as severe pain, abscess, swelling, and tooth sensitivity. 

A root canal is a nonsurgical procedure. During a root canal, the diseased pulp material is removed and the inside of your tooth is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate harmful bacteria. 

With the pulp removed, your tooth is filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This seals your tooth and prevents bacteria from getting in. You receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth until a permanent crown is ready for you.

2. Explore your pain management options

If you’re worried about pain during your appointment, it’s a good idea to review the steps we take to keep you comfortable during your root canal. 

Here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we use local anesthetics to keep you pain-free during your treatment. Other sedation options include nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, which helps you relax, even sleep, during your procedure. Nitrous oxide provides both pain relief and relaxation. 

3. Focus on the benefits of a root canal

It may also help calm your root canal fears to consider the many benefits you receive from this treatment. A root canal:

• Preserves your natural tooth
• Makes eating and speaking much easier
• Prevents the need for an extraction
• Saves you the time and expense of replacing a missing tooth 

If a root canal isn’t in your best interest, Dr. Blaustein recommends the procedure that benefits you the most. 

4. Talk to us about your fears

Fear of pain is a common theme in surveys about dental phobias, but it’s not the only one. Other fears regarding root canals (and other dental procedures as well) include not getting sufficiently numb, gagging, and allergic reactions. 

If any of these concerns are holding you back from getting the dental care you need, please reach out to us. We’re happy to discuss your treatment plan in more depth with you and address your specific concerns.

5. Use relaxation techniques during your appointment

There are strategies you can use to bring you peace during your root canal procedure. Relaxation techniques include:

• Practicing deep breathing (shallow breathing can make you feel more anxious)
• Listening to calming music
• Listening to an audiobook or podcast using headphones

To learn more about your root canal procedure or to schedule an appointment, you can reach our Manhattan office at 917-633-7312 or book your consultation online 24/7.