"Root canal" might be the two scariest words in dentistry — but the fear is almost entirely based on outdated stories, not what actually happens in a modern dental chair. Let's clear this up.
Why root canal treatment has such a bad reputation
Decades ago, before reliable local anesthesia and modern rotary instruments, root canal treatment genuinely was uncomfortable. That reputation stuck — even though the procedure itself has changed enormously since then.
What actually causes the pain people associate with RCT
In almost every case, the pain patients remember is from the infected tooth before treatment — not the treatment itself. An infected or inflamed nerve inside the tooth causes throbbing, pressure-sensitive pain. Root canal treatment removes that infected tissue, which is precisely what relieves the pain.
What happens during a root canal, step by step
- Numbing: Local anesthesia is applied so the area being treated is completely numb — you shouldn't feel sharp pain at any point.
- Access: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp inside.
- Cleaning: The infected or dead nerve tissue is carefully removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped.
- Filling: The cleaned canal is sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
- Restoration: A filling or crown is placed on top to restore the tooth's strength and function.
What you'll actually feel
During treatment: pressure and vibration, but not sharp pain. After the anesthesia wears off: mild soreness for a day or two, similar to how a tooth feels after a routine filling — manageable with an over-the-counter painkiller if needed at all.
How many visits does it take?
Most straightforward cases are completed in 1–2 visits of around 45–60 minutes each, depending on the tooth and the extent of infection.
What happens if you delay treatment?
An infected tooth doesn't heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone around the tooth, cause an abscess, and eventually mean the tooth can't be saved at all — making extraction the only option. Treating it early is almost always less painful and less expensive than waiting.
Dealing with tooth pain right now?
Don't wait for it to get worse. Dr. Abhishek Singh Chauhan performs painless, modern root canal treatment at OraCare Dental Clinic, Baranagar.
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