does a root canal hurt?

Answer 1

When I had a root canal done a long time ago, I had a really painful experience. During those 4 hour treatment, at times, I wish I could have my tooth taken out instead because I couldn't bare the pain anymore. Now as a dentist, I realize I wasn't given enough anesthesia from the dentist and I didn't tell my dentist how much pain I was in (I didn't know anything about dentisty back then). However, in general, root canal treatment doesn't hurt if the anesthesia WORKS. So tell your dentist if you are experiencing pain during the procedure.

Answer 2

AngelaDDS is right. The main reason they can hurt is because the tooth isn't numb enough. One of the reasons it may not be numb enough is the amount of infection present. Infection can make it harder to get fully numb & you want to be NUMB for a root canal. Sometimes a person may have to take antibiotics to clear up the infection before they have root canal treatment, although it's better to do the root canal as soon as possible. Never be afraid to tell your dentist if you feel pain! They should listen and care! When everything goes well, a root canal is just like a long filling appointment. (And headphones are a great idea.)

Answer 3

I always say that root canal treatment is a lot like teenagers. 9 out of 10 are no problem at all. You only hear about the bad ones.

Answer 4

It shouldn't the roots are dead. It's long and boring. Mine didn't hurt at all, it was just boring.

Answer 5

No , mine never hurt untill the next day. then it wasn't bad
I didn't even take the pills offered for pain.

Answer 6

It shouldn't. Mostly, they are long and boring. Take a CD player or Ipod with you.

Answer 7

just had one last week, no pain.. just a little mild discomfort. Get it done before they have to pull it..

Answer 8

no not when numb