Do a root canals really hurt?

Question

I hear horror stories about root canals. Do they really hurt. I need to have one but dreading it.

Answer 1

Alright...listen. Root canals are not painful if the dentist (me) can get you anesthitized (numb). The problem is most people have infected teeth when they need one and infection works against the anesthetic. Most often a dentist will put you on antibiotics if he/she sees that you have infection (Just having a toothache and needing a root canal does NOT necessarily mean you have infection). If the dentist can get you numb, which you will know right away, the rest of the work is a peice of cake. The dentist will remove the nerve, clean the inside of the canal out and fill the canal. The horror stories, even in the other answers, are from people who could not get numb. Newer anesthetics are much better at fighting through infection. Upper teeth are by far easier to get numb. Lower teeth are harder and lower front teeth are the toughest. Don't worry about it as much as you can, and let your dentist know if you start to feel anything other than pressure.
You probably will be a little sore afterward, but root canals done properly should not have heavy pain afterward. If they do, it most likely means the dentist did not remove all the nerve.
After a few days there should be no more feeling in that tooth other than possible sensitivity to pressure...this would only be normal if the infection had spread beyond the root before the canal was done.

Answer 2

I just got a root canal last week. It was more uncomfortable then anything - very uncomfortable. It did not hurt at all, HOWEVER, I went a few days later so he can seal it with filling and let me tell you it HURT. I hadn't been able to eat food for the days after the root canal so I complained which I guess was normal. Anyway he had to finish up the root canal, he gave me the novocaine and then he proceeded to put some red needles - a little bit thicker then needles - he told me I would feel pressure. It hurt like hell. I felt it even with the novocaine. It was such an annoying feeling - just going up and down with the needle. He did it like 8 times. It was awful. Once it was done though it did not hurt afterwards.

Answer 3

I just had two done at the same time about a couple of months ago and the experience wasn't that bad. I even told the dentist I was expecting it to be much worse and he told me that most of the horror stories are based on the old days. The technology has progressed to the point where it is a little uncomfortable but not much more then that.

Answer 4

The majority of root canals do not hurt.

It's the anti-dentites that wait till their teeth are infected. That scream the most and make up for all the quiet, painless, and successful root canals.

Answer 5

I've had 2 and 1 had to be done twice. They don't hurt but they make your jaw tired. You have to hold your mouth open for a period of time that becomes uncomfortable. Let your dentist know that you are nervous and make sure you let them know if your not numb before they begin. It is WAY better then getting an infection in there!

Answer 6

I have had two root canals. Both were a little uncomfortable but the pain is not excrutiating.

Answer 7

Sometimes they do and some don't. My sister has had extensive oral surgery and says they hurt but they were not as bad as having the appendectomy or the ceaserian section. It's all in your ability to handle pain. Just make sure your doctor gives you some really good pain pills!

Answer 8

They're not suppose to. You hear all the scary stories from people who waited too long to get it done and the have a horrible toothache. For the most part, the worst part about them is how boring they are. I have patients that sleep through them.

Answer 9

well ..there was a time wen goin to dentist meant pain . root canals doesnt hurt nly wen u go for first time if u ve infectin ur tooth will not get numb n it may or may not pain but in further sittings ur tooth is already dead n it doesnot hurt ....so go ahead n get ur tooth treated

Answer 10

it may be a bit sore for a few days after, but they will give you meds if you ask for them.You wont feel it while it happens, you'll taste the tooth pieces, they taste burnt(cause the drill) but thats it, ive had a couple root canals.get it done before your tooth rots and has to be pulled out.....and just let the endodontist know you are terrified, they may be a bit more gentle and ask them to explain each thing they are about to do to relieve your anxiety.