Is Root Canal Treatment Painful? Myths vs Facts

Just hearing the words “root canal” makes many people nervous. Root canals have a long history of being considered one of the most painful dental options for decades. But postponing going to the dentist because they are concerned that a procedure will make the tooth hurt worse than it already does.

However, how much of this fear is true? With modern dental techniques (and some good numbing), a root canal is usually nothing as painful as many imagine it will be. Actually, the infection-type toothache is often more annoying than the treatment itself. Root canal treatment is performed to deal with the infection, keeping your natural tooth in place, but most importantly getting you out of pain.

To help set the record straight, here are some of the most likely myths around root canals and what you can really expect before, during and after your procedure.

What exactly is a root canal?

So, before we start discussing pain, let us understand what the root canal treatment involves.

At the centre of every tooth there is a soft region that holds nerves and blood vessels. If a tooth has a very deep cavity, crack, injury or other issue then bacteria may be able to get into this inner part and cause an infection.

A root canal procedure removes the infection inside the tooth. The dentist then cleans the inside, fills it and seals the tooth so that it can perform its function instead of being extracted. A root canal, is a procedure that can preserve your natural tooth.

Myth: Root canals are very painful

This is perhaps the number one cause of fear in people.

Fact: Root canals are a lot more comfortable than most people think

The dentist will apply local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth before starting the treatment. That means, you are still awake, and should not feel the treatment itself as sharp pain. You will feel some pressure or movement during the dentist’s work on that particular tooth.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, today’s root canal treatment is made to relieve pain and most patients are comfortable during the process.

Now naturally this is based on personal experience. If you experience pain while receiving treatment, inform your dentist immediately. More anaesthetic is often given to keep you comfortable.

Myth: The root canal causes the toothache

Fact: Often the pain is caused by the infection within the tooth.

When a tooth is very badly infected, that might cause very severe pain as well as sensitivity and discomfort when you bite or chew. You can also have swelling or sensitivity around the tooth.

A root canal in this situation is a treatment that involves removing the infected tissue that has been causing you the issues. The pain caused by the original infected tissues should begin to settle after the treatment is done. 

Delayed treatment due (in part) to fear of pain may make things worse. An untreated infection could spread and eventually result in the tooth having to be extracted.

How does it feel to have a root canal done?

Once the area becomes numb, it should be impossible for you to feel the dentist working inside of your tooth.

You will notice pressure, vibration or another type of motion. You may also especially hear the sound of dental instruments, very noticeable to some more than the actual treatment.

What is the dentist doing first? They make a tiny hole in the tooth, remove the infected tissue, clean out the hollow section of the tooth and fill it. The treatment can take one or multiple appointments depending on the severity of damage to the tooth.

Let your dentist know if you feel nervous before they start. When it is known that you are nervous, the dental team can be extra careful with your comfort.

Myth: After a root canal, you don’t feel anything at all

Fact: Some soreness is expected after treatment.

Although the procedure itself is typically comfortable due to the local anaesthetic, your tooth may be tender or sore afterwards.

This may be particularly in cases where the tooth was already infected or painful before treatment. It is often a matter of waiting for the tissues surrounding the tooth to settle.

For most people, this unpleasantness is mild and short-lived. According to the American Association of Endodontists small tenderness can be expected for a few days after treatment. 

How long does pain and discomfort last after a root canal?

The majority of people discover that the soreness progressively resolves over the subsequent few days.

You may even sense a little soreness whenever you chew down on that particular tooth. The time it takes to recover varies according to the degree of infection or damage suffered by the tooth before treatment.

If the pain is constant instead of gradually improving, grows increasingly severe, or lasts longer than expected consult your dentist. Make time to get your tooth checked.

Myth: Root canal can take a lot of time

Fact: Time of treatment varies as per the problem and tooth

Not every root canal takes the same amount of time.

Certain treatments are simple and can be done in just one appointment or require more than two visits. Root canal work on a complicated tooth or one with an advanced infection will need more time for treatment.

After identifying the state of your tooth, your dentist will let you know what number of appointments you’re probably going to need.

Myth: If the pain goes away, you likely do not need a root canal

Fact: Pain going away does not mean the problem is gone.

You may be surprised to learn that a tooth that had been causing pain can stop hurting in the background even though the underlying issue is still there. As an infected tooth progresses, it may not necessarily produce obvious symptoms.

Other signs include swelling, tenderness, pain while chewing, sensitivity to heat or cold, a small pimple or boil on the gum and a change in colour of the tooth.

Just because the pain has eased, does not mean the problem is solved, if your dentist suggests a root canal during an examination or dental X-ray, you should get it done. 

Can you go back to work after a root canal? 

Most people can quickly get back to their normal routine following treatment.

There may be some numbness for a few hours due to the anaesthetic so take care to eat for the first course until you can feel your lips again. Keep in mind that your dentist will probably tell you not to put any pressure on the tooth they treated until it has fully been restored.

If your treatment was a bit more involved or you’re still not quite yourself, you may want to spend the rest of the day resting.

Do you need a crown after the root canal?

Sometimes, yes. A tooth that has undergone a root canal leaves a fairly empty shell and often requires additional protection after the procedure, especially if significant decay or drilling has occurred. A dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth after treatment.

Whether you need one, will depend on the tooth and how much healthy tooth structure is remaining. Your dentist will assess the tooth and elaborate on what is right for you.

When to Contact Your Dentist After a Root Canal

A slight discomfort is usual, but certain indications should never be neglected. Call your dentist immediately if you have severe or worsening pain, noticeable swelling, or pain that is not responding to treatment as expected. Seek urgent dental or medical attention if you develop swelling that spreads towards your face or neck, have a fever or have difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you have an unusual symptom, it’s always advisable to seek care rather than waiting for the symptoms to disappear.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Which one is better

If a tooth is fit enough to be saved, the root canal permits you to keep your own natural tooth instead of getting it extracted. You can also consider being able to bite and chew normally, or avoiding having to replace the tooth at a later date. Unfortunately, not all broken or infected teeth can be extracted. It depends on the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Your dentist can clarify if a root canal is the right option or if you should be considering other safe treatment.

So, does a root canal hurt?

So, the short answer is it is usually not as painful as reputation would have you believe. A lot of the pain that you currently have may be due to the tooth infection itself. The area is numbed with local anaesthesia, so the vast majority of people claim they feel pressure but not stabbing pain during the procedure. It is likely to cause some soreness or tenderness immediately after, but the feeling should be temporary.

Do not push your root canal as a result of worry. Discuss with your dentist all the queries you have, ask about what to expect during treatment and if at any point you feel anxious or uncomfortable you can let your dentist know.

A consultation at Ishtaa Dental can clarify the basics of what is going on with your tooth, why a root canal is being suggested, as well as predict the experience in treatment and recovery ahead. Being aware of what to expect can set an ominous feeling back on its heels.