Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
At Atlas Dental in Toronto, we regularly perform root canal treatment for patients who are in pain due to deep cavities, cracked teeth, or infections. The most common question we’re asked is:
“Will root canal treatment hurt?”
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue (called the pulp) from inside your tooth. This helps eliminate pain, stop the spread of infection, and preserve the natural tooth structure.
The good news is that with today’s modern techniques and sedation options, root canal treatment can be performed with minimal discomfort—and many patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy the experience is.
Call us today or book a free phone consultation online to take the first step solving your root canal problem. Here’s what you need to know.
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Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Thanks to modern techniques and anesthetics, a root canal feels no different than getting a dental filling.
Numbing Comes First
Before we begin, we apply a topical numbing gel to the gum near the tooth to minimize discomfort from the injection.
Local Anesthetic
We then gently administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth completely. You won’t feel pain during the procedure—just some mild pressure.
We Always Check Before We Start
Once you’re numb, Dr. Nguy will test the area to ensure there’s no pain before we begin treatment. If you feel anything during the procedure, simply raise your hand. We will pause immediately and administer more anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
If you’re nervous or have dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to help you stay calm:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide sedation is a mild sedative that helps you relax while staying fully awake. It wears off quickly, and you can usually drive home afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a prescription medication taken before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed. You’ll remain conscious but much less aware of the procedure. A companion will be needed to drive you home.
We can also combine both methods for patients with higher levels of anxiety or for more complex root canals.
Will I Feel Pain After the Root Canal Procedure?
After your root canal, the area may feel sore or tender for a day or two, similar to a bruise. This is normal and usually managed with:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Soft foods and rest for 24–48 hours
- Avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed
We’ll give you personalized aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery to ensure everything heals properly.
Our Gentle Approach at Atlas Dental
At Atlas Dental, we believe that no one should suffer through dental pain—and that includes during root canal therapy. Our priority is to remove the source of your discomfort while making the experience as stress-free and painless as possible.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect you might need a root canal, don’t wait. Early treatment can save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading
Call us today or book a free phone consultation online to take the first step solving your root canal problem.
