What Happens During a Root Canal? Pain Myths vs. Reality

For many people, the phrase “root canal” triggers fear long before pain ever begins. What’s rarely discussed is that most discomfort patients associate with root canals happens before treatment—not during it. Modern dentistry has quietly transformed this procedure into one of the most effective ways to relieve dental pain, not cause it. Understanding what truly happens during a root canal can replace anxiety with clarity—and help patients make calmer, more informed decisions about their care.

Why Root Canals Have Such a Bad Reputation

Root canals earned their reputation during a time when dental care looked very different than it does today. Decades ago, anesthesia was less precise, tools were slower, and treatment often happened only after pain became unbearable. What’s rarely mentioned is how memory plays a role—people tend to remember when they were in pain, not why. Many patients associate the relief process with the discomfort that led them to the dentist in the first place. Add in exaggerated stories passed between friends and media portrayals built for drama, and root canals became a symbol of suffering rather than what they actually are: a response to pain, not the cause of it.

What a Root Canal Actually Is (In Simple Terms)

A root canal is not a procedure designed to “fix” pain—it’s designed to remove the source of it. Inside every tooth is soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. When that tissue becomes infected or inflamed, pressure builds in a space that can’t expand, which is why the pain can feel intense or constant. A root canal simply creates relief by clearing out that inflamed tissue and sealing the space so bacteria can’t return. What’s rarely explained is that the tooth itself isn’t dead afterward—it can still function normally. The treatment doesn’t weaken the tooth’s purpose; it protects it from spreading infection and further damage while allowing you to chew and smile comfortably again.

What Happens During a Root Canal: Step-by-Step

• Numbing happens before anything else
  The first goal is comfort, not speed. The area around the tooth is numbed carefully so the surrounding nerves are calm before treatment begins. Most patients are surprised that this step feels similar to getting a routine filling.
• Access is made through the chewing surface
  A small opening is created to reach the inner chamber of the tooth. What’s rarely discussed is that this opening also releases pressure, which is why many people feel relief early in the process.
• Infected tissue is gently removed
  Tiny, flexible instruments clean out inflamed tissue and bacteria. These tools are designed to follow the natural shape of the tooth, not force it into a new one.
• The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected
  The empty space is washed thoroughly to remove microscopic bacteria that brushing or rinsing can’t reach.
• The canals are sealed to prevent reinfection
  A soft, rubber-like material fills the space to block future bacteria. This step protects the tooth from becoming painful again.
• The tooth is stabilized for everyday use
  A temporary or permanent restoration is placed so the tooth can handle normal biting without irritation or stress.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is More Painful?

Pain is often judged by intensity, but duration matters just as much. A root canal typically involves short-term soreness that fades as inflammation settles. Tooth extraction, on the other hand, introduces a new wound that the body must heal from scratch. What’s rarely discussed is how the jawbone reacts after a tooth is removed—bone and surrounding tissue can stay sensitive for weeks as they adjust to the missing structure. Chewing patterns also change, which can strain nearby teeth and muscles. In many cases, patients report that the ongoing discomfort after an extraction feels more disruptive than the brief tenderness that follows a root canal, especially when normal eating and speaking are affected.

Does a Root Canal Hurt? Pain Myths vs. Reality

• Myth: The procedure itself is extremely painful
  In reality, most of the pain people associate with root canals comes from the infection before treatment. By the time a root canal is recommended, the nerve is already inflamed and sending constant pain signals. Treating that tissue often reduces pain rather than increases it.
• Reality: Modern numbing is very targeted
  Today’s anesthetics are designed to calm the surrounding nerves without numbing the entire face. This precision helps patients stay comfortable while avoiding the lingering soreness older techniques caused.
• Myth: You’ll feel drilling deep inside the tooth
  What’s rarely explained is that the inner tissue being removed no longer responds normally to sensation. Patients often feel pressure or vibration, not sharp pain.
• Reality: Anxiety can amplify discomfort
  Fear tightens muscles and heightens sensitivity. Patients who understand what’s happening tend to feel less discomfort simply because their bodies are more relaxed.
• Myth: Pain continues long after treatment
  Mild soreness is common, but it’s usually a healing response, not ongoing damage. The body is adjusting to reduced inflammation.
• Reality: Many patients feel relief the same day
  Once pressure inside the tooth is gone, the steady ache that brought them in often fades quickly, sometimes within hours.

Why Root Canals Often Relieve Pain—Not Cause It

Tooth pain is often misunderstood as a surface problem, when it’s actually caused by pressure trapped deep inside the tooth. That pressure has nowhere to go, which is why pain can feel sharp, throbbing, or constant. A root canal works by giving that pressure an exit. Once the inflamed tissue is removed, the surrounding nerves are no longer being irritated. What’s rarely discussed is how quickly the body responds to this change—blood flow improves, swelling decreases, and pain signals quiet down. Many patients are surprised to notice relief soon after treatment, not because the tooth was “fixed,” but because the source of inflammation was finally removed.

Conclusion

Root canals are often feared because they’re misunderstood. When you look closely at what actually happens, the procedure is less about pain and more about relief, protection, and preserving your natural tooth. Modern techniques, better anesthesia, and a clearer understanding of dental health have changed the experience entirely. If you’re dealing with ongoing tooth pain or symptoms that won’t go away, getting answers early can make a significant difference. To learn more about your options or to schedule an evaluation, visit us or call 602-992-1639 to book an appointment and take the next step toward feeling comfortable again.