Just hearing “root canal” can make people nervous — but do they really hurt? Let’s clear up the myths and explain what really happens during a root canal.

😬 First, Why Do People Fear Root Canals?

Root canals have a scary reputation because:

• People confuse the pain before the treatment with the procedure itself
• Old stories from decades ago (before modern numbing techniques) still linger
• The idea of drilling deep into a tooth just sounds painful

But here’s the good news…

✅ Modern Root Canals Are Not Painful

Today’s root canals are usually no more painful than getting a filling. Dentists use powerful local anaesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

At most, you’ll feel:

• Pressure or movement
• A little soreness after (like after a dental cleaning or filling)

🔍 What Happens During a Root Canal?

1. Numbing – Your dentist applies a local anaesthetic
2. Cleaning – The infected pulp inside your tooth is removed
3. Shaping – The inside of the root canals is cleaned and shaped
4. Filling – The canals are filled with a special material
5. Restoration – A crown or filling is placed on top

🕒 It usually takes 1–2 visits, depending on the case.

🤕 What About After the Treatment?

It’s normal to feel some tenderness for a few days:

• Your jaw might be sore from keeping your mouth open
• The treated tooth may feel sensitive

This usually goes away with:

• Over-the-counter painkillers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Avoiding hard foods for a few days

🧠 Fun Fact: It’s Pain RELIEF, Not Painful

In most cases, you need a root canal because the tooth is already causing pain. The procedure actually removes the pain source by clearing the infection or damaged nerve.

🏥 When to See a Dentist

You might need a root canal if you experience:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Sensitivity to hot/cold
• Swollen gums near a tooth
• A darkening tooth

Don’t wait — early treatment means less pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes.

👍 In Summary

🗓️ Need a Root Canal in JB?

Use JB Dental Finder to compare clinics, read reviews, and book an appointment. We’ll help you find a gentle, experienced dentist near you.