We are now accepting new patients | Find out more >>
Visit us: 20 Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1RE
Call us: 01691 652424
Root Canal Treatment: Does It Really Hurt?
OHDP Team
Share
I had a patient come to see me recently with a very painful tooth.
It had started as sensitivity, something they hoped would settle on its own. But over the next few days the pain became worse, particularly when biting, until eventually it was difficult to ignore.
After examining the tooth and taking an X-ray, we found the problem.
The tooth was infected and the nerve inside it was no longer healthy.
We discussed the options and I explained that one possibility was root canal treatment – removing the infection from inside the tooth and, if possible, saving it.
Their first question was one I’ve heard many times:
“I’ve heard root canals are really painful?”
The pain is usually coming from the tooth.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about root canal treatment.
In this patient’s case, it wasn’t the treatment causing the pain. It was the infected tooth.
Inside a tooth is soft tissue called the dental pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, trauma or problems with an existing restoration can allow bacteria to reach this area, causing inflammation or infection.
That can result in toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling or sometimes a small spot on the gum.
Root canal treatment is designed to remove the source of that problem.
So, does a root canal hurt?
Before starting treatment, we thoroughly numb the tooth using local anaesthetic.
With modern techniques, root canal treatment should normally involve little or no discomfort. In fact, patients have often experienced considerably more pain from the tooth before they arrive than they do during treatment.
This is also the message from the British Endodontic Society, which explains that modern root canal treatment can usually be carried out comfortably.
What actually happens?
Once the tooth is numb, we isolate it using a rubber dam – a small protective sheet that keeps the tooth separate from the rest of the mouth.
This is an important part of good root canal treatment because it prevents contamination from saliva and protects the patient while we work.
We then carefully access the inside of the tooth, remove the damaged or infected tissue and clean, shape and disinfect the tiny canals running through its roots.
Once sufficiently cleaned, the canals are filled and sealed.
Some teeth can be treated in one appointment; others require more than one visit.
Teeth can also have surprisingly complex root systems, so more difficult cases may sometimes require referral for specialist endodontic treatment.
“Was that it?”
What I remember about this particular patient was their reaction afterwards.
They had arrived expecting an ordeal and were surprised by how manageable the treatment had been.
It’s something I’ve seen many times over the years.
Root canal treatment has acquired a reputation it doesn’t really deserve.
For many patients, the procedure they’re frightened of is actually the treatment that gets them out of pain.
Why not just take the tooth out?
Sometimes extraction is the right option. A tooth may be too badly damaged or have a poor long-term outlook.
But if a tooth can reasonably be treated and restored, it’s important to discuss the possibility of keeping it.
Once a tooth is removed, it’s gone.
You then have to decide whether to leave the space or replace it with something such as a denture, bridge or dental implant.
Where appropriate, root canal treatment gives us an opportunity to preserve your natural tooth.
The treatment doesn’t finish with the root canal.
Once the infection has been treated, we also need to protect what’s left of the tooth.
Many root-treated teeth have already lost a significant amount of structure because of decay, cracks or previous fillings. Depending on the tooth, it may subsequently need a filling, onlay or crown.
I often describe root canal treatment as saving the foundations. We then need to make sure what we build on those foundations is strong enough for the future.
Can’t I just have antibiotics?
This is another question we regularly hear.
Antibiotics are not normally the solution for most dental pain. If infection is contained inside the root canal system, antibiotics alone don’t remove its source.
There are situations where antibiotics are appropriate, particularly when infection is spreading or there are systemic symptoms, but the tooth itself will usually still require dental treatment.
Sometimes the answer isn’t another prescription.
It’s treating the tooth.
What if I’m frightened of dental treatment?
Tell us.
I’ve been a dentist for more than 20 years and I’ve treated plenty of patients who are genuinely anxious about dentistry.
I’d much rather know.
We can explain what we’re doing, take things slowly and give you the opportunity to stop whenever you need to.
For particularly anxious patients, we can also discuss additional ways of making treatment more manageable.
The message I gave my patient at the end of the appointment I explained something that I think is worth sharing.
Root canal treatment isn’t something to fear simply because of its reputation.
Usually, we’re recommending it because something has already gone wrong inside the tooth.
Our job is to remove the infection, get you comfortable and, where it’s appropriate, give your natural tooth another chance.
Not every tooth can be saved and no dental treatment can be guaranteed.
But sometimes someone walks through our door convinced that a painful tooth has to come out and discovers there may be another option.
If we can predictably save a natural tooth, it’s always an option worth discussing.
Worried about a painful tooth?
If you have persistent toothache, pain when biting, swelling or sensitivity that isn’t settling, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable.
Come and let us have a look.
Oswyn House Dental Practice
20 Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1RE
01691 652424
This article provides general dental information. Every patient and every tooth is different, and an examination is required before individual treatment advice can be given.
*Written or reviewed by Jabbar Hussain. Dentist with over 20 years’ experience in high-end general and cosmetic dentistry.*
Articles you may be interested in
September 23 2026
Welcoming Dr Ashley Peile to Oswyn House
We’re pleased to welcome Dr Ashley Peile to Oswyn House Dental Practice. Ashley’s work is...
Continue reading
September 16 2026
Root Canal or Extraction: Which Options Should I Consider?
I had a conversation with a patient recently that I’ve had many times during my...
Continue reading
September 2 2026
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
Parents are often surprised when I tell them the answer to this question isn’t “when...
Continue reading