Does a Root Canal Hurt? What to Expect Before, During & After Treatment
If your dentist has told you that you may need root canal treatment, you might immediately wonder: “Is a root canal going to hurt?”
It is an understandable concern. Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but modern dentistry is designed to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
In fact, the pain people associate with a root canal is often caused by the inflamed or infected tooth before treatment, rather than the procedure itself.
At Lytham Dental Clinic, we know dental treatment can feel daunting, especially when you are already experiencing toothache. Understanding what happens can make the experience feel much less intimidating.
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is usually carried out using local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area.
You may notice sensations such as pressure or movement during treatment, but the aim is to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can let us know.
If you are nervous about having a root canal, please tell us how you feel. We understand that dental treatment can be difficult for some people, and knowing that you are anxious means we can take things at a pace that feels more manageable for you.
At Lytham Dental Clinic, we can also discuss additional support for nervous or anxious patients. This includes conscious sedation, where appropriate, to help you feel more relaxed during dental treatment. We also have therapy dogs in training, who are part of our approach to creating a calmer and more welcoming experience for patients who may feel nervous about visiting the dentist.
Not every option will be suitable or necessary for every patient, so we will always talk to you about your individual needs and what may help you feel more comfortable.
After root canal treatment, the tooth and surrounding area can feel tender or sensitive for a short time. This should normally improve as the area settles.
Why might I need root canal treatment?
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
If this becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the affected tissue and help save the tooth.
This can happen because of deep decay, a crack or damage to the tooth, or sometimes following previous dental treatment.
Possible symptoms include:
Persistent or severe toothache
Pain when biting or chewing
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling around the tooth or gum
A gum swelling or “pimple”
A tooth becoming darker
However, not every tooth that needs root canal treatment causes obvious pain. Sometimes a problem is discovered during an examination or on an X-ray.
If you have persistent toothache or swelling, it is important to have it assessed rather than waiting for it to become worse.
What actually happens during a root canal?
The phrase “root canal” can sound more intimidating than the treatment itself.
First, your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to understand what is happening beneath the surface.
If root canal treatment is appropriate, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic.
Your dentist then carefully accesses the inside of the tooth. The inflamed or infected tissue is removed and the small channels inside the roots are cleaned and shaped.
Once cleaned, the root canals are filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering again.
The tooth will then need to be restored. Depending on how much healthy tooth remains, this may involve a filling or a crown to help protect the tooth.
Your dentist will explain what is appropriate in your individual case.
How long does root canal treatment take?
There is no single treatment time that applies to every root canal.
Some teeth have a relatively simple internal structure, while others have several roots and more complex canals.
Depending on the tooth and the extent of the problem, treatment may be completed in one appointment or require more than one visit.
Your dentist can give you a better idea of what to expect after examining your tooth.
What is recovery like after a root canal?
Your mouth may remain numb for a while after the appointment because of the local anaesthetic.
Once this wears off, it is normal for the treated tooth or surrounding area to feel tender for a short period.
Your dentist will give you appropriate aftercare advice based on your treatment.
Try to avoid biting hard foods with the treated tooth until your dentist advises you that it is safe to do so, particularly if you are waiting for the final restoration.
If pain becomes severe, swelling develops or you are concerned about how the tooth is healing, contact your dentist for advice.
Root canal or extraction: which is better?
This is another common question.
A root canal aims to save your natural tooth. An extraction removes the tooth completely.
Where a tooth can be predictably restored, keeping a natural tooth can have important benefits. However, root canal treatment is not suitable in every situation.
A tooth may be too damaged to restore, for example, or there may be other clinical reasons why extraction needs to be considered.
If a tooth is removed, you may also want to discuss options for replacing the missing tooth. Depending on your circumstances, these might include a dental implant, bridge or denture.
Rather than assuming one option is better for everyone, your dentist should explain the advantages, limitations and likely outcomes of the clinically suitable choices for you.
How much does a root canal cost?
At Lytham Dental Clinic, root canal treatment starts from £495.
The final cost can vary depending on which tooth needs treatment and the complexity of the procedure. A front tooth, for example, may have fewer canals than a molar, while some teeth have more complex root systems that require additional treatment time.
You may also need a crown or another restoration afterwards to protect and restore the tooth. If this is recommended, we will explain why and discuss the additional cost with you.
Before treatment begins, we will explain the recommended treatment and associated fees so you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
Eligible patients may also be able to use our dental finance options to spread the cost of treatment. We offer 0% interest finance for up to 24 months, with longer-term finance available for up to five years at 9.9% interest.
Finance is subject to approval and terms and conditions apply.
When should I contact a dentist about tooth pain?
Toothache should not be ignored, particularly if it persists or becomes more severe.
You should contact a dentist if you have ongoing tooth pain, sensitivity that does not settle, discomfort when biting, or swelling around a tooth or gum.
Seek urgent dental advice if you develop significant or increasing swelling, particularly if it is affecting your face or neck, or you feel generally unwell.
The sooner a dental problem is assessed, the sooner your dentist can explain what is happening and discuss the appropriate treatment options.
Worried about needing a root canal?
Hearing that you might need root canal treatment does not have to mean expecting a painful or frightening experience.
The purpose of treatment is to address the problem inside the tooth, relieve symptoms where present and, when possible, help preserve your natural tooth.
At Lytham Dental Clinic, we understand that some patients feel nervous about root canal treatment. We will explain what is happening, answer your questions and help you understand your options before treatment begins.
If you have toothache, sensitivity or have been told that you may need root canal treatment, contact Lytham Dental Clinic to arrange an assessment.