Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

man in the dentist's chair ready for root canal therapy

There’s one question we always hear from patients—and even if it’s not said out loud, we know it’s what they’re wondering: “Are root canals painful?” Over the years, root canal treatment has received a bad wrap, leaving many people to avoid the procedure even when they need it because they’re worried about pain. We’re here to separate fact from fiction once and for all. Getting a root canal should NOT be painful. Here’s what you need to know:

The Pain of Root Canal Symptoms

While symptoms can vary from patient to patient, one of the most common signs that someone needs a root canal is dental pain. This is actually where the real discomfort comes in! That serious infection in your tooth root can lead to a dull, consistent ache all the way to a sharp pain. By getting a root canal, you’re not setting yourself up for more pain—you’re actually getting rid of what’s causing it!

During the Root Canal Procedure

Modern root canal treatments aren’t what they used to be. These days there are a number of safeguards to minimize any possible patient discomfort. For example, a local anesthetic is applied to the area and dental sedation is available. Many people don’t realize that getting root canal therapy is quite similar to getting a routine filling.

After the Root Canal Treatment

After the root canal procedure, when the anesthetic wears off, it’s very common to experience a bit of discomfort. Don’t worry though. As the days go on and your recovery progresses, this feeling of mild to moderate soreness will lessen. If you’re experiencing severe pain that isn’t going away, you should consult your dentist.

Root Canal Therapy at Reen Chung, DDS

At Reen Chung, DDS, we’ve provided numerous root canal treatments to our Seattle community in a safe environment and with a gentle touch. If you ever have any questions about the restorative dental procedure or you’d like to consult our team to determine if you need one, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental office. We’re here and happy to help!

Contact Us

Leave a Reply

Reen Chung, DDS

Reen Chung, DDS