How Bad Does a Root Canal Hurt?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Many people get nervous when they hear the words “root canal.” They imagine it will be very painful. The truth is, a root canal today is much more comfortable than most people think. With modern tools and numbing medicine, most patients say the procedure feels about the same as getting a regular filling.
A root canal is needed when the inside of your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or badly damaged. This can happen from deep cavities, cracks, or injuries. If the infection is not treated, it can spread and cause swelling, pain, and even tooth loss.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we make sure you are fully numb before we begin. We use local anesthesia to block pain, and for patients who feel anxious, we can also offer sedation to help you relax. The goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Most of the pain people feel with a root canal actually comes before the treatment, from the infection itself. Once the tooth is cleaned out and sealed, the pain usually improves quickly. You may feel some soreness for a few days after, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter medicine.
It’s important not to delay a root canal if your dentist recommends one. Waiting too long can make the infection worse, which can lead to more pain, more treatment, or even the need to remove the tooth.
Our office is a no-judgment space, so you never need to feel embarrassed if you’ve waited a while to get help. We’re here to fix the problem, get you out of pain, and protect your smile for years to come.