If you’ve been told you need a root canal, the first question in your mind is probably: does it hurt?

It’s one of the most common things patients ask us at Be Dental, and it’s completely understandable. Root canals have a reputation that, frankly, they don’t deserve anymore. The procedure has changed enormously over the past two decades, and most patients are genuinely surprised by how straightforward it feels.

Here’s everything you need to know before your appointment.

The short answer: no, a root canal should not hurt

A root canal is designed to remove pain, not cause it. The tooth causing your discomfort is usually already infected, and the nerve inside is either dying or dead. The procedure removes that damaged tissue, which is what stops the pain.

During the treatment itself, your tooth and the surrounding area are completely numbed with local anaesthetic before anything begins. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure, similar to having a filling done. The anticipation is almost always worse than the procedure itself.

So why does root canal have such a bad reputation?

The fear largely comes from experiences that are decades out of date. Root canal procedures from a generation ago were genuinely more uncomfortable, largely because anaesthetic technology and dental equipment were far less advanced.

Today, the tools, techniques and numbing agents used are entirely different. At Be Dental, we use modern rotary endodontic instruments and take the time to ensure the area is fully numb before we begin. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, we stop and adjust.

How bad does a root canal hurt on a scale of 1 to 10?

During the procedure: most patients rate discomfort at a 1 or 2 out of 10, describing mild pressure rather than pain. Some feel nothing at all.

The days leading up to treatment are usually when the real pain occurs, caused by the infected tooth rather than anything the dentist does. By comparison, the procedure itself comes as a relief.

Does it hurt after a root canal?

Some tenderness in the days following treatment is normal and expected. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the area around the tooth may feel sensitive, particularly when you bite down. This is your body’s natural response to the procedure and typically settles within two to three days.

Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually all that’s needed to manage any post-treatment discomfort. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics if infection was present.

How long after a root canal does it hurt?

For most patients, any soreness peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and then gradually improves. By day three to five, most people are back to normal.

If pain is getting worse rather than better after a few days, or if you develop swelling, contact your dentist. In a small number of cases, additional treatment may be needed.

What happens during a root canal at Be Dental?

Here’s what you can expect when you come in:

1. Assessment and X-ray

We take a digital X-ray to assess the root canals and confirm the extent of infection before beginning.

2. Local anaesthetic

We apply a numbing gel to the gum before the injection, so you don’t feel the needle. We wait until the tooth is fully numb before proceeding.

3. Cleaning the canals

A small opening is made in the tooth and fine instruments are used to remove the infected pulp tissue, clean the canals and disinfect the inside of the tooth.

4. Sealing the tooth

The canals are filled with a material called gutta-percha and the tooth is sealed.

5. Crown placement

In most cases, a crown is recommended after a root canal to restore the tooth’s strength and protect it from cracking. At Be Dental, we offer same-day CEREC crowns, so this can often be completed in a single follow-up visit rather than two.

Signs you might need a root canal

It’s worth knowing what to look out for, as the sooner a tooth is treated, the more straightforward the procedure tends to be:

  • Severe or persistent toothache
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum
  • A pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Delaying treatment allows the infection to worsen, which can make the procedure more complex and the recovery longer.

Root canal vs extraction; which is better?

A common question is whether it’s easier to just have the tooth removed. While extraction eliminates the immediate problem, it creates longer-term consequences including bone loss, shifting teeth and the need for a replacement such as an implant or bridge.

Where possible, saving the natural tooth through root canal treatment is always the preferred outcome. Root canal treatment has a long-term success rate of over 94% when performed correctly.

Nervous about your appointment?

Dental anxiety is very common, and it’s something our team at Be Dental takes seriously. We take a calm, gentle approach to every procedure and never rush a patient. If you have concerns before your appointment, call us on (07) 5563 3133 and we’ll take the time to walk you through exactly what to expect.

Book a root canal consultation in Arundel

If you’ve been putting off treatment because of fear, we hope this has helped. Root canal treatment today is routine, effective and far more comfortable than most people expect.

Book online or call our Arundel Plaza clinic on (07) 5563 3133.