How Painful is Root Canal Treatment? | Truth vs. Myth

So, you've just been told that you need a root canal treatment, and your first reaction is probably a mix of stress and worry. Most of us feel anxious without knowing the exact process, tools, measures, and how our dentist can help us.

When patients enquire, "How painful is root canal treatment?", it is usually the pain of a tooth infection that they are responding to rather than the treatment itself. Understanding how the procedure works, and trusting your dentist, can turn that fear into reassurance. This article walks you through what to expect so you can feel comfortable about your treatment. 

What is the Source of the Discomfort?

Root canals are commonly associated with pain because of the condition that leads to the treatment. When the inner pulp of a tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed, pressure builds up inside the tooth. This can cause persistent pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or surrounding areas.

The procedure itself is designed to relieve this pain. By removing infected tissue and sealing the canal, the dentist eliminates the source of inflammation and infection. For this reason, root canal treatment should be viewed primarily as a solution for pain rather than the cause of it.

Making Your Visit Comfortable: How We Manage Pain at Dental Designs Clinic

Thanks to advancements in dental technology and anaesthesia, the root canal experience today is very different from what it once was. In fact, most individuals say it's similar to getting a regular dental filling.

One important thing to understand is the difference between pressure and pain during dental procedures:

• Pain is a sharp or uncomfortable sensation that indicates something is wrong or your nerves are being stimulated. With effective anaesthesia, you won’t feel pain during your treatment.

• Pressure, on the other hand, is the sensation of movement or force in your tooth or gums as the dentist works. Even though it may feel unusual, it is not painful and does not mean the anaesthetic is wearing off. Think of it as a gentle pushing or vibration. It’s normal and expected during procedures like root canals.

 1) Effective Local Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthesia is the most common and reliable way to control pain in dentistry. The anaesthetic is gently injected into the gums near the treatment site. It works quickly to numb the targeted area, so you stay fully awake but don’t feel sharp or painful sensations.

Your tooth and surrounding gums become completely numb, allowing the dentist to work comfortably. Local anaesthesia is ideal for most routine dental procedures, including fillings, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions, helping ensure a smooth and pain-free experience.

2) Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) 

For patients who feel anxious or nervous about dental treatment, Dental Designs Clinic offers laughing gas (nitrous oxide) as part of our painless dentistry approach.

Laughing gas—often called “happy gas”—is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask over your nose. It helps you feel relaxed, calm, and in control while remaining fully awake. The dentist adjusts the amount of gas throughout your procedure to keep you comfortable.

It is safe, non-invasive, and suitable for both children and adults. Effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped. Laughing gas can be especially helpful if you:

• Experience dental anxiety or nervousness

• Have a fear of dental procedures (including children who feel uneasy at the dentist)

• Have very sensitive teeth or low pain tolerance

• Struggle with a strong gag reflex

• Feel nervous during longer or more complex treatments, such as root canal treatments or tooth extractions

3) Other Sedation Options

For patients who may need extra help to feel calm during dental treatment, we also offer sedation options. These methods help you relax while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a mild sedative pill before your appointment to help you feel calm. You remain awake and able to respond but may feel drowsy and less aware of the procedure. This option is ideal for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety.

IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers medication directly through a vein, helping you feel deeply relaxed. While you remain conscious enough to respond if needed, you may have little or no memory of the procedure. This method is perfect for complex treatments or patients with high dental anxiety.

With the right combination of anaesthesia, sedation, and modern dental techniques, you can have a pain-free experience while protecting your oral health.

What About Post-Treatment Sensitivity?

While the procedure itself is not painful, it’s normal to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness afterward. This is very different from the sharp pain caused by infection. The tenderness usually comes from surrounding tissues healing after inflammation.

Still, if you are thinking, "how painful is root canal treatment?", the most common answer is "only a little tender at most." In fact, most people can barely feel their discomfort and take common over-the-counter pain relievers only. Within a few days, the tooth usually feels perfectly healthy and natural again.

Signs That a Root Canal May Be Needed

If fear has caused you to delay treatment, the infection may worsen over time. Here are some signs that indicate you might need a root canal treatment-

• Sensitivity to Temperature: Pain that lingers for several minutes after hot or cold food and drinks.
• Abscess Formation: Swelling on the gums that may look like a small pimple and sometimes release fluid.
• Tooth Discolouration: A dark or grey tooth, which may indicate that the pulp inside is non-vital.
• Spontaneous Pain: Unexplained throbbing pain that may worsen when lying down.

Watch this video where our dental specialist explains more.

Why Preserving the Tooth Matters

Preserving your natural teeth is key to long-term oral health. While dental implants and bridges are reliable treatment options, nothing compares to preserving your original tooth.

Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, maintain a proper bite, chew comfortably, and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting, which is a common issue after tooth extraction.

Related Articles

• Why do I need root canal treatment

• Success of root canal treatment

Conclusion

Feeling anxious about dental treatment is completely natural. Once you understand that the goal of a root canal is to relieve pain, not cause it, the procedure becomes far less intimidating.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we take the time to listen to your concerns, explain each step, and personalise treatments to your needs. Looking to book a consultation appointment? Simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you.

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284