Three things Ladera Ranch residents should know about root canal treatment and pain

Tooth pain or sensitivity can occur for many reasons. It is often mild and temporary. Maybe you bit down on something hard, or perhaps a particle was trapped between two teeth. You probably give it very little thought – until it happens again, and again, or becomes worse.

The best thing you can do when you notice signs of a dental problem is seek treatment right away. This will minimize your pain, and prevent the problem from progressing. Unfortunately, many people do the exact opposite. They procrastinate, and one of the most common reasons is fear of pain associated with root canal treatment. If this sounds familiar, there are three things you need to know:

1. Root canal treatment is not traumatic or painful; it is actually very similar to a dental filling. The tooth is numbed before the procedure begins, to ensure your comfort. We use the Wand medication delivery system, which makes injections virtually unnoticeable.


2. Root canal treatment relieves pain. Contrary to popular belief, this procedure marks the end, not beginning, of dental pain. Infected or injured dental pulp can cause sensitivity, toothaches, abscesses, and other painful problems. Because the root canal procedure removes the infection, injured nerve, and other damaged tissue, it removes the source of pain.


3. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to need a root canal. It may be tempting to postpone seeing a dentist if you are uneasy about the treatment. Ironically, this procrastination can necessitate root canal treatment in patients who would not have needed it otherwise. A fracture or cavity in the enamel may cause a toothache even if it hasn’t reached the pulp. At this stage, it can easily be restored with a crown or filling. However, if the damage spreads deeper into the tooth, it can expose the dental pulp, leaving it vulnerable to injury or infection.

Don’t wait to get the care you need. Drs. Alex and Nina Basti are located in Mission Viejo, convenient to Ladera Ranch and other nearby communities. Call us at 949-427-2096 to schedule your appointment.