Let’s be honest—hearing the words “root canal” probably doesn’t fill you with joy. But what if I told you it’s not as bad as everyone says? In fact, a root canal is designed to get you out of pain, not cause it. So, if you’ve been told you need one, don’t panic—we’re here to walk you through exactly what happens, why you might need one, and why it’s really no big deal.
Why would I need a root canal?
Your teeth might be hard on the outside, but inside, they have something called pulp—a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. If this pulp gets infected (from deep decay, cracks, or even an injury), it can lead to some pretty intense tooth pain. That’s where a root canal comes in—it removes the infection, saves your tooth, and stops the pain for good.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Some signs that your tooth might be in trouble include:
- A constant, throbbing toothache that won’t go away
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers
- Swelling around the gums or even a small pimple-like bump near the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth, which can mean the nerve inside is dying
If any of these sound familiar, it’s best to get it checked out. The longer you wait, the worse the infection can get—and trust me, it’s much easier (and less painful!) to fix it early on.
What actually happens during a root canal?
Alright, let’s break it down. A root canal isn’t some scary, medieval procedure—it’s actually very straightforward:
- We numb your tooth completely. Seriously, you won’t feel a thing.
- We remove the infected pulp. This is the bit that’s causing you pain. Once it’s gone, the tooth is pain-free.
- We clean everything up. The inside of your tooth is disinfected to make sure the infection doesn’t come back.
- We seal the tooth. The space inside is filled with a special material to keep it strong.
- You may need a crown. Because root canal-treated teeth can be a little weaker, a crown might be needed to protect it long-term.
The whole process usually takes one or two appointments, and afterwards, your tooth will feel completely normal—except without the pain!
Does a root canal hurt?
Nope! Thanks to modern anaesthetics and techniques, a root canal feels a lot like getting a filling. Most people say the worst part was actually the pain they felt before the treatment, not the procedure itself. Afterwards, you might feel a little tender for a day or two, but that’s nothing a bit of over-the-counter pain relief can’t handle.
What happens after the root canal?
Once your tooth is cleaned out and sealed, you’ll probably feel huge relief because the pain is gone. If you need a crown, we’ll get that sorted to make sure your tooth stays strong. After that, it’s business as usual—just keep up with brushing, flossing, and your regular dental check-ups.
How long does a root canal last?
With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. It’s a great way to save your natural tooth, rather than having it removed and needing an implant or bridge later on.
Final thoughts
If you need a root canal, don’t stress! It’s not the horror story you might have heard—it’s just a routine procedure that stops pain and saves your tooth. So, if your dentist recommends one, the best thing you can do is get it sorted sooner rather than later.
Got questions or think you might need a root canal? Book a visit with us, and we’ll talk you through everything. Your pain-free, healthy smile is just one appointment away!
