Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?: A Complete Guide

It’s normal to feel anxious before a root canal, especially if you’re worried about potential pain. A lack of clear information can make these concerns worse. But the real question is, "does root canal treatment hurt?"

Root canal treatment (RCT) has become a key procedure in Singapore involving multiple steps to thoroughly clean and disinfect the teeth. Many may feel concerned about the pain and discomfort that follows, particularly if surgery is involved (i.e. apicoectomy). This blog explains why patients may feel pain or discomfort during or after the procedure. 

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

A tooth infection can damage the innermost part of your teeth. This is called dental pulp. The dental pulp contains a rich network of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that provides nourishment, sensory function, and immune defence for the tooth.

Root canal treatment helps remove the infected pulp before filling and sealing it the canals. The process helps preserve the natural tooth. It also relieves chronic pain and discomfort in a tooth.

Not every RCT procedure is complicated. For instance, root canal treatment of teeth at the front are simpler than the molars. Healing period and treatment cost may also vary based on severity of the infection.

Dentists may recommend root canal procedure if you are experiencing prolonged tooth pain and sensitivity. At Dental Designs Singapore, we focus on early diagnosis so that you can carry out your daily routine with minimal disruption.

Why Do Patients Experience Tooth Pain?

Toothache is a common reason why your dentist recommends a root canal treatment. Many patients experience issues ranging from sudden pain to chronic inflammation.

You may feel pain while chewing or putting pressure on your teeth. This is uncomfortable and people may eat less or even skip their meals. Referred pain—pain that feels like it’s coming from another site, such as the opposite tooth, jaw, or even the ear—is also common.

Swollen gums around the infected tooth is another key cause of inflammation. Any pressure over this area can result in throbbing pain. Sometimes, the face can also temporarily swell up. These symptoms usually improve after treatment.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

It’s natural to wonder, “does root canal treatment hurt?” before your appointment. A good way to ensure a smooth and comfortable procedure is to have a thorough discussion with your dentist.

Root canal procedure starts with consultation and preparation. During the consultation, the dentist thoroughly examines your teeth and jaw, often using vitality tests and dental x-rays. During the procedure, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area. This means you’ll feel little to no pain, although minor pressure is normal, just like with most dental procedures.

Pain After Root Canal: What's Normal?

During the RCT procedure, there may be little to no pain. As the anaesthesia wear of after the procedure, the discomfort may gradually come back. There might be mild to moderate inflammation in the initial 2-3 days after the treatment. 

The surrounding tissues around the root-canaled need time to heal properly. Hence, it is natural for the patient to feel some pain as that area is still recovering. This is temporary and may last for the first few days following the root canal treatment procedure.

Post-RCT discomfort is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications. However, you should always consult your dentist before taking any medications. During this time, it is also best to avoid hard or chewy foods to prevent worsening the pain.

Meanwhile, if pain persists even after one week of the root canal treatment, it can be due to some other underlying issue. The team at Dental Designs Singapore can assess your condition and help you to recover from a bad tooth infection. 

Related Articles

• Root Cause of Root Canal Pain: What’s Really Behind the Discomfort?
• Root Canal Treatment Side Effects: Everything That You Must Know

When To Visit Your Dentist?

Post-procedure pain and swelling generally resolves within the first few days after a root canal treatment. If it worsens instead of getting better, it is important to see a dentist for it.

There are times when the pain cannot be controlled even with over-the-counter medicines. If there is a sharp pain that keeps you from maintaining a normal eating and sleeping cycle, then it needs a closer look by a dental professional. 

In addition to pain, if there are severe symptoms such as high fever, facial swelling, or breathing issues, it's important to seek urgent attention.

Finally, don’t skip your follow-up appointments after a root canal treatment. These checkups help prevent reinfection and reduce the need for additional procedures.

3 Ways To Minimise Post-Procedure Pain

Mild post procedural pain after a dental treatment like root canal is common, and it usually eases within a few days. Here are 3 simple ways to help your tooth heal comfortably:

1. Mindful Eating

A soft diet is recommended right after the procedure. It protects your treated tooth from excessive pressure and helps it heal comfortably.

2. Oral Hygiene

Regular brushing and flossing helps prevent reinfection and keeps your mouth healthy. Besides that, the use of antibacterial mouthwash can support your oral hygiene as well.

3. Avoid Smoking

Refrain from smoking and tobacco usage as it can slow down the healing process. Staying smoke-free gives your tooth the optimal chance to recover quickly and stay strong.

Conclusion

If you are anxious about getting a root canal, you’re not alone in this. Many patients feel unsure to proceed with RCT as questions like “does root canal treatment hurt?” keep crossing their minds. While it’s natural for an infected tooth to hurt, the main concern is often the discomfort during and after the procedure.

With local anesthesia and prescribed medications, patients usually feel little to no pain during or after a root canal.

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