Should I Worry About Root Canal Pain?

For many people, the thought of a root canal treatment can bring about anxiety, especially when it comes to pain.

But is root canal painful? Should I worry about the pain?

The good news is that modern dentistry has made root canals a comfortable and effective procedure to save infected teeth and ensure that you’re still able to enjoy your natural teeth for a long time.

Let’s take a moment to know whether root canal treatment is as painful as its name sounds or is just a myth.

Table of Contents

1. The Root Canal Procedure
2. Is Root Canal Painful?
3. Is it Possible to Feel Pain After a Root Canal?
4. How to Manage Pain After a Root Canal Treatment
5. Final Thoughts – Should You Worry About Root Canal Pain?

The Root Canal Procedure

First, let’s know what a root canal treatment looks like. A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes an infection inside the tooth caused by bacteria entering the nerve chamber. The treatment helps relieve pain and saves the natural tooth rather than extracting it.

Here’s what you can expect from a root canal treatment at Whitehorse Dental:

1. Diagnosis – This is where you will have to consult with your dentist about your situation. Your dentist will likely take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection and whether a root canal is needed.
2. Anaesthesia – Once confirmed, your dentist will start by putting a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
3. Cleaning the Infection – The dentist removes the infected nerve and pus inside the tooth.
4. Sterilisation – The inside of the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
5. Filling the Root Canal – The empty root canals are filled with a specialised material to seal them and prevent reinfection.
6. Final Restoration – Once it’s already covered, a dental crown may be placed to protect and strengthen the tooth after treatment.

Before you can go in for a root canal treatment, make sure to be aware of the signs you need a root canal treatment as well.

Is Root Canal Painful?

After learning about the root canal procedure, do you think it’s still painful to get one?

One of the biggest myths about root canal treatment is that it’s daunting and painful when in reality, the procedure itself is not painful because your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia.

That is basically the one that protects you from the pain. Patients would usually compare the sensation to getting a regular filling done.

So, why do people think that root canal treatments are painful?

Many people associate root canals with pain, but this is often due to the severe toothache caused by the infection before treatment, not the procedure itself. A root canal actually helps relieve the person who is in pain by removing the infected nerve.

Is it Possible to Feel Pain After a Root Canal?

So, because the procedure itself should be comfortable, is it still possible to feel pain after the root canal treatment?

While the root canal procedure itself is painless, some patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling after the procedure. However, some people feel more pain after the treatment.

Why do you think that is?

The reason behind this is that the amount of discomfort you experience after a root canal treatment varies from person to person, and it depends on several factors. If the infection before treatment was extensive, you may feel more post-treatment soreness as your body heals.

Some individuals naturally have a more sensitive response due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, while others may experience minimal discomfort. Additionally, take note that everyone’s healing process is different, which can affect how quickly symptoms subside. If you’re worried about pain after a root canal, rest assured that most patients only experience mild discomfort that gradually fades within a few days.

Here are some of the most common post-treatment side effects you may expect after a root canal treatment:

Normal Post-Treatment Symptoms:

• Mild pain or tenderness in the treated area
• Slight swelling or inflammation around the tooth
• Sensitivity when biting down or chewing

These symptoms usually subside within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.

How to Manage Pain After a Root Canal Treatment

As mentioned, pain after root canal treatment can be on a case-to-case basis. Some experience normal post-treatment symptoms, whilst others report having a more painful feeling after the procedure.

Here are some tips to help you manage pain after your root canal procedure:

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the cheek near the treated area to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Use it for about 15 minutes at a time, with at least 10-minute breaks in between.
• Avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth by sticking to soft foods and refraining from chewing on that side of your mouth until healing is complete.
• Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using interdental brushes as usual to keep the area clean and aid in recovery.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) a few times a day to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages to minimise sensitivity and discomfort after the procedure.
• Follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions carefully, including attending any recommended follow-up visits, to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Final Thoughts – Should You Worry About Root Canal Pain?

The short answer is no. With modern dental techniques and anaesthesia, a root canal should not be painful during the procedure. In fact, it’s the best way to relieve the pain caused by an infected tooth and prevent further complications.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and suspect you may need a root canal, don’t wait. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding severe discomfort.

Talk to our team at Whitehorse Dental to guide you on the best course of action for your infected tooth. We make sure to prioritise your comfort first and ensure that you feel at ease.

Book your appointment with us today or call us at (03) 8838 8820 and get the quality care you need.