Is a Root Canal Painful? What Actually Happens

Most people fear a root canal because of stories from decades ago. Today the procedure is done under profound local anaesthesia with rotary instruments, and the discomfort you feel is usually less than the toothache that brought you in.

The pain you experience before treatment comes from an inflamed nerve inside the tooth. Once that infected pulp is removed and the canals are disinfected, the pressure is released and relief is typically immediate.

After the appointment you may have mild tenderness on biting for two to three days. Simple painkillers handle it. A crown is then placed to protect the treated tooth from fracture, and the tooth can serve you for decades.