Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canals have had a reputation for being painful — you’ve probably even heard someone joke, “I’d rather get a root canal than do that!” But thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, that reputation is outdated. Today’s root canals are far more comfortable and no longer deserve to be the go-to comparison for unpleasant experiences.

Here at The Dental Center of Hercule, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro uses the latest techniques and anesthetics to make root canals as comfortable as possible. In fact, most of our patients say the experience is similar to getting a cavity filled.

Take a moment as our team explains why infected teeth are so painful and why root canals can actually help alleviate that pain.

Why infected teeth hurt so much

Tooth pain often signals something deeper than a surface-level issue. When decay, trauma, or a bacterial infection reaches the inner pulp of your tooth — this is where all of the nerves and blood vessels live — it can cause significant pain and inflammation. 

Because there are hundreds of nerve fibers —  both autonomic and sensory — packed into the pulp of each tooth, any damage or infection understandably causes intense pain.

Beyond the pain of damaged nerves, oral infections can spread rapidly, potentially causing fever, facial swelling, and fatigue if left untreated. 

At this point, a simple filling isn’t enough. The infection needs to be cleared out, and the inner chamber sealed to prevent further damage. That’s where a root canal comes in.

Root canals are designed to relieve pain — not cause it!

If you’ve been dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, a root canal can actually bring relief. During a root canal, Dr. Teodoro removes all of the infected or inflamed tissue from inside your tooth, which is often the source of the discomfort. 

Once the tooth is treated, filled with a biocompatible root canal filling material, and sealed, healing begins and your pain should gradually subside. 

What to expect during your root canal 

Before Dr. Teodoro begins, she completely numbs the area so you won’t feel pain — just a bit of pressure. The root canal itself typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. 

First, she places a dental dam (a small protective sheet) over the area to keep your tooth dry and free of saliva. Then, she creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp. 

Using delicate instruments, she carefully removes any diseased pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and disinfects the space. 

Once it’s cleaned, Dr. Teodoro fills the inside of your tooth with a rubberlike material called gutta-percha. Then, she seals the opening with a biocompatible root canal filling material and, in most cases, places a dental crown.

How to manage discomfort after your root canal

After the procedure, you can expect some soreness or tenderness, but it’s usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your permanent crown is in place.

Dr. Teodoro provides any other after-care instructions that you may need.

Don’t delay treatment

If you need a root canal, you're not alone. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, half of all people studied had at least one root canal. And while they’re common, you shouldn’t delay it.

Putting off a root canal can lead to more serious problems, including worsening pain, abscesses, or even tooth loss. 

If you're experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t hesitate to call our Hercules, California, office. Or, simply book your next appointment online.