Most people who dread a root canal treatment have never actually had one. The fear tends to come from someone else's story — usually an old one.
The reality is considerably different.
Where the Fear Comes From
Root canal treatments earned their reputation decades ago, when local anesthesia was less effective and the techniques were far more involved. That reputation has stuck around long after the experience changed.
Research consistently shows that patients who have had a root canal rate the procedure significantly less painful than they expected — and often compare it to having a filling done. The anxiety beforehand is almost always worse than the appointment itself.
What the Procedure Actually Feels Like
The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before anything begins. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, you should not feel pain during the procedure — pressure and movement, yes, but not pain.
At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, our Specialist Endodontists use high-powered microscopes during treatment. This level of precision means the procedure is not only more accurate — it's also more controlled, which makes for a smoother experience overall.
Most patients are surprised by how routine it feels. The appointment typically takes between one and two hours depending on the tooth, and the majority of patients return to their normal day afterward.
What About After the Appointment?
Some tenderness or sensitivity in the days following treatment is normal — the surrounding tissue has been through an inflammatory process, and it needs time to settle. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within a few days.
If you were in significant pain before the appointment — which many patients are, because infection is what brings them in — the procedure itself typically brings relief relatively quickly.
When It's More Complicated
Teeth with active infection can sometimes be harder to numb fully, because inflammation affects how local anesthesia works in that area.
In these cases, your Specialist Endodontist will have options, such as supplemental anesthetic techniques or, where infection has spread beyond the tooth, additional management before treatment begins.
If anxiety is a significant concern for you, sedation options are available. Visit our Sedation Dentistry page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
With effective local anesthesia in place, you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or movement, but not sharp pain. If at any point during treatment you feel discomfort, let the endodontist know immediately, as more anesthetic can be administered.
Most patients who have had both report that a root canal is not significantly more uncomfortable than a filling, the main difference being the length of the appointment. The fear around root canals tends to be disproportionate to the actual experience.
Most patients feel back to normal within two to three days. Mild tenderness around the treated tooth in the days following the procedure is expected and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
