Do root canals hurt?

Question

My mom told me they hurt like hell, but when I looked it up on the internet, it said they don't most of the time. Now, I'm confused. Could anybody whose actually had a root canal tell me what it felt like during and after?

Should I trust my dentist to do this properly, or see someone better?

Answer 1

I've had 4. I actually like them. Once the Novocaine kicks in, you don't feel anything. It takes a while, but I sometimes take a nap. After, the pain that led to the root canal is gone and the dentist gives you nice pain medication (but you likely won't even need it.) There is some discomfort as the Novocaine wears off, that that's true of any time it's used, not just root canals. Oh, and then they put a crown on where you used to have a tooth. It takes a little getting used to, but then, it's good. I'll probably have another next month. (I have weak enamel and grind my teeth. I also eat too much candy.)

Answer 2

I had a root canal on a right lower molar about 5 years ago. It's not that it hurts so much, it just takes a long time to finish the procedure. So, basically it hurts as much a having a cavity filled, but it goes on for like 2 hours.

I think it takes longer to recover too, but since the nerve has been removed, it's just sore and swollen for a long time. Not too bad. Again, like a filling, but recovery is a couple days of discomfort.

Now, if the dentist screws something up...well that's a different story, because they are messing around right on your exposed nerve. Ouch.

Answer 3

My first one that I had done on the bottom killed like crazy. It hurt so bad that my body started to shake....BUT that was because my dentist at the time was 9 months preggo and was just doing a horrible job! I complained about a lot of things she did and was told that she shouldn't have done it the way she did.

My second was a breeze. It was done on the top (which I heard is worse than the bottom) but my new dentist did an awesome job on it. It took long, and holding my mouth open for so long was the hardest.

If you have a good dentist then I wouldn't worry too much. The after pain can be bad but they prescribe pain killers. It's not that bad. :)

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I had a root canal done a few years ago on one of my top teeth and it did not hurt. Its a lot like getting a tooth filled except it takes a lot longer. I wore braces for 3 1/2 years so dental work does not really bother me like it does some people. As long as you don't mind sitting there with your mouth open for a long time you will be fine.

Answer 5

i went to endodnic a few days ago they did the whole root canal in about 3 hours i had gas and of course the shots i was a bit worried about the pain after it was done but i felt very little in fact they gave me no pain meds i was sent home with steroids and a antibiadic for infection,i am a bit tender but not to bad,also a few years ago i had one done and it hurt like hell and that was with pain med i guess it all depends on the dentist and the location of the tooth,good luck

Answer 6

I recently had a root canal on a lower molar & it was literally pain free. It is tedious because it takes quite a bit of time. The dentist gave me some advil afterwards & I didn't need it. So just be patient & relax.

Answer 7

ive never actually had them but like everyone in my family has they all said the same thing hurts really bad. they will give you numbing cream during it its just after your mouth will hurt. hope that helps. GOOD LUCK!!!!