Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but in reality, they are often much less uncomfortable than people expect. During a root canal, the nerve of the tooth is removed, which is the source of pain in cases of infection or damage. The procedure itself is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain while it’s being done.
After the procedure, it’s common to experience some discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few days. This is more of a dull ache or sensitivity to touch and temperature rather than the sharp, throbbing pain that might occur with an untreated infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually manage this discomfort effectively.
In some cases, there might be mild swelling or tenderness, especially if there was significant infection prior to the procedure. However, the pain from a root canal is typically much less severe than the pain caused by the infection or decay that necessitated the treatment in the first place.
If you experience severe pain or discomfort after the procedure that doesn’t improve with painkillers or lasts for more than a few days, it’s important to contact your dentist, as this could indicate an issue that needs further attention, such as an infection or incomplete cleaning of the root canal.
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