Fact vs Fiction: Do Root Canals Hurt?

man on couch ice pack on face after root canal

Have you been told you need a root canal to remove an infection and save your tooth? You probably think you’re in for a painful experience. Truth is, there are many myths out there regarding the root canal procedure. We’ve broken down some common thoughts around the treatment and taken a look at what’s true and what’s fiction.

Fact: Your Tooth Hurts!

You might have heard that root canals hurt. The truth is it’s your tooth that hurts, not the actual procedure. When you need a root canal, it’s usually because there is an infection deep within you tooth or decay that is so bad your natural tooth is at risk. That infection or decay is the reason you’re in so much pain.

Fiction: The Root Canal Procedure Hurts

During the procedure itself, you’ll only feel pressure while we work to save your tooth. We make sure the area is thoroughly numbed before we even begin working. You’ll probably feel some discomfort or even pain after the procedure and once your mouth has regained feeling. But don’t worry, we’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to help you keep the area clean and manage your pain.

Fact: We Keep You Comfortable

Like we mentioned earlier, before we start your root canal procedure, we numb the area around the tooth. Need more anesthesia during the treatment? Let us know, and we’ll give you a boost of anesthesia. Are you someone who is generally just anxious about visiting the dentist? Tell our team beforehand so we can have sedation like laughing gas ready for your procedure.

There are a lot of misconceptions about root canals. The bottom line is that your tooth hurts badly and the removal of the infection or decay causing the pain is only mildly uncomfortable compared to the pain you’re already feeling. We want to make sure you’re comfortable the whole time. Let us know if there’s anything additional we can do or if we need to work at a slower pace. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions at all about the procedure.

Additional Root Canal Information

If you would like to learn more about root canals, the procedure or the cost, please visit our primary Root Canals page or our Restorative Dental page