Many times people who have what is a dull ache or occasional twinge in their tooth will take a few Advil and try to tough it out with the hopes that whatever it is will go away. Sometimes it does, most times it doesn’t. Now despite what some people may think, I do not have my head in the clouds believing that people love having dental treatment (though I do indulge in the belief that my patients enjoy seeing me). So, I do understand the phenomenon of watchful waiting (praying) for the dental dilemma to spontaneously disappear.
I appreciate and know full well the worry and anxiety that anticipated dental treatment can sometimes evoke and if I do say so myself, am very good at assuaging the apprehensive to the point where I have most smiling by the time they leave the office. (OK, maybe they’re smiling because they are actually leaving, but think what you will; a little “magic” has taken place.)
A Root Canal: Cause for Fear?
So dentistry or the thought thereof can precipitate anxiety. But the most feared dental treatment is A ROOT CANAL. “Root Canal” – Just hearing these words sends chills down the spine like a horror movie. Thanks to movies and pop culture the dread and pain of root canal has been perpetuated in our social consciousness. Think of The Marathon Man, The Little Shop of Horrors even President Obama’s reference to the bank bailouts “as popular as a root canal”. Not to mention a plethora of movie reviews with a root canal reference including Andrew Sullivan of The Daily Beast opining on Sarah Palin’s documentary as “A root canal of a movie.” Or James Frey author of Oprah’s misguided endorsement “A Million Little Pieces” in which James “goes through a series of painful root canals…” We know that any popular reference/comparison to a root canal is a condemnation and certainly something to be avoided.
Root Canal Pain
But truth be told, root canal doesn’t cause pain, a root canal relieves or prevents pain. And despite this procedure’s negative reputation, THERE IS NO REASON TO BE AFRAID. Advances in modern dentistry have rendered root canal pain free – virtually. (I always wondered what ”virtually” means in this context. Well, it means it doesn’t hurt.) In my 30 years of practice, having performed innumerable root canal treatments, the people most fearful even terrified at the thought of having root canal, ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD ROOT CANAL.
Erica, a marathon runner with endorphins streaming through her body, and Thomas, a West Point graduate and army veteran, lost all facial color at the news of their need for root canal. Both of them model patients have personally experienced extensive dental care far more complicated than root canal were unnerved (pun intended). Treating a first-timer to root canal can be very rewarding (not $ the way you’re thinking). Because the negative hype is so intense, when completed I come away the hero. “That’s it?” is the most common remark (aside from the accolades of my talent and skill). For the record…I have personally had 6 teeth treated with root canal therapy.
Some people wrongly believe that root canal involves removing a tooth’s roots (actually that would be an extraction-no roots, no tooth.) A Root canal, also called endodontic therapy, treats the tissue known as the dental pulp that is inside the root while keeping the root itself intact and thus saving the tooth. Think of the procedure akin to treating a cavity whereby the decay is cleaned out and a filling is placed in the tooth. Root canal involves cleaning-out the irritated pulp (nerve) in the root and then filling or sealing the remaining structure.
Not All Tooth Pain Requires Root Canal Treatment
In fact, most of the time, sensitive teeth respond to very simple treatment (dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, filling…) But, if you have a bothersome tooth that is left untreated, root canal may become necessary. DO NOT BE AFRAID. ROOT CANAL IS PAINLESS and you can go about your business right after treatment. If you are apprehensive, let your dentist know. Most of the time, the anticipation is worse than the actual treatment.
For the curious: Teeth have three layers: enamel, dentin and pulp. Enamel is the hard outer surface that dazzles when you smile. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body with a 98% mineral content. Bone has about 70%. Because of its hardness, enamel protects the more sensitive dentin and the extremely sensitive pulp which contains the nerve. Dental pulp functions in the formation of teeth as they are developing and erupting. The pulp also helps to hydrate the actual tooth structure. But the most recognized portion of the pulp is the tiny nerves whose only function is to perceive pain. If the nerves in the pulp are stimulated by anything (hot, cold, sweets), you will feel pain.
Dr. Michael Sinkin is a general dentist in New York City. He loves being a dentist and is known throughout the city for taking wonderful care of his patients and for his wicked sense of humor. For more about Dr. Sinkin, click here. Thank You!
Lindsay says
It’s true that a root canal is a fear of mine, even after I’ve had one! And of course, when my tooth hurt, the first thing my husband (not a dentist) suggested was that I would need a root canal! Thanks for alleviating my fears!
Michael Sinkin says
You are quite welcome. Hope you don’t need another one, but if you do, and need to be reminded that it’s not painful, just holler (or bookmark this blog and read it again!). Thanks for your comment.
Carmen says
Hi,
Do I have to tell who I am? I am sure after reading this everyone will recognize me. I assist Dr. Sinkin every day and almost every day we do at least one root canal treatment but when it was about me, and my own tooth pain, I told Dr. Sinkin that I wanted it magically to go away.
Well, the magic didn’t happen and I came to work on Monday in lots of pain ready to do anything, including extraction (taking the tooth out) just to make it stop. So, Root Canal Treatment for me!
I have to say that root canal with Dr. Sinkin was the easiest treatment I have ever had. And when the anesthetic wore off, the pain I had suffered in the morning was completely gone. Today is Tuesday and last night I slept like a baby with no pain or sensitivity at all.
Thank you Dr. Sinkin, and I am so sorry for not doing the Root Canal Treatment when you advised me to do it. I guess I learned my leasson in a TOO PAINFUL way!!