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Original poster

How painful is a root canal?

35 replies

Wishimaywishimight · 01/03/2022 20:00

I need a complicated root canal and have to see a root canal specialist. Just how painful is this pricedure?

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 01/03/2022 20:02

The most painful part was the anaesthetic going in. Is all fine after that.

TolkiensFallow · 01/03/2022 20:04

It’s not painful. It just takes a while and that’s a bit tiring.

I’m terrified of dentists and I’ve had 3 root canals. They’re no worse in pain than a normal filling.

Jaxinthebox · 01/03/2022 20:04

agreed, never felt a thing - apart from anaesthetic needle. Good luck, try not to worry.

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Oldh · 01/03/2022 20:04

The most painful part is the cost. They use anaesthetic on the actual procedure.

Charliesgotachocolatefactory · 01/03/2022 20:05

I’ve had loads done and it’s fine - nowhere near as traumatic as people make out, and I’m a real scaredy cat!

You get jagged up so you don’t feel anything. The worst bit I find is the noises (but headphones sort that) and also your jaw gets sore from having to have it so wide open for half an hour or so per appt. I’d also recommend a precautionary ibuprofen as it can be a bit throbby once the injection wears off.

pastypirate · 01/03/2022 20:07

It's not that bad but if it gets infected that's horrendously painful.

XenoBitch · 01/03/2022 20:07

My jaw started wobbling uncontrollably from having it open for so long, so the nurse popped a rubber block between my back teeth opposite to where I was having the root canal. Sorted out my wobbly chops!

PAFMO · 01/03/2022 20:08

Not at all.
Scale and polish is a million times worse.

GorgonzolaSouffle · 01/03/2022 20:08

I fell asleep in mine 🤨

flatpack1 · 01/03/2022 20:09

@PAFMO

Not at all. Scale and polish is a million times worse.
Yes definitely this
mammajustkilledagnat · 01/03/2022 20:10

I found mine extremely painful. despite having all the painkilling drugs possible. Dentist had to stop and put something in to kill the nerve. I had to go back a week later, and then it was a breeze as whatever was the pain receptor had been killed off. I know I'm not using the correct terminology!

snowgirl1 · 01/03/2022 20:13

Like PP I was struggling not to fall asleep when they did mine. Don't remember feeling any pain.

JellybabyGina87 · 01/03/2022 20:13

Not painful if they've numbed it enough. Awful if they haven't.

naomi81 · 01/03/2022 20:13

Nowhere near as painful as a c section 👍 don't overthink it xx

LefttoherownDevizes · 01/03/2022 20:14

It’s just a filing really, as others have said for me the killer was having my mouth open so long and not being able to swallow /close my mouth. And also scared of the suction which isn’t very helpful.

It is just a deep filling, once numb no worse than any other. Just takes longer

TheYearOfSmallThings · 01/03/2022 20:17

The most painful part is the cost

I agree. Also there was a point where the anaesthetic was wearing off an I could feel some pain for the first time, but ordinary painkillers dealt with that. But it is the cost that makes me dread ever having another one.

Riverlee · 01/03/2022 20:32

Not as bad as I expected. Uncomfortable rather than painful.

I listened to the calm app through mine to distract myself, though.

Downsize2021 · 01/03/2022 20:32

I had one after a bike accident caused trauma. I was trying not to be "inconvenient " so didn't say how sore it was but luckily they noticed and gave me more painkillers (and told me there's no prizes for being 'brave'!) I didn't like the sensation but pain wise, I couldn't feel any!

Faevern · 01/03/2022 20:32

Root canal is not just a filling though.

@Wishimaywishimight if you need to see a root canal expert it may take more than one visit depending on how complicated it is. However it’s not painful but there is a lot of pushing so you can feel that. I’ve had one done by specialist it took two appointments the second one was 2 hours.

My jaw ached and it’s unpleasant having the dam on that long but we put my choice of music on and I had aromatherapy on pulse points and in the room and really just relaxed into myself. My dentist is private and we did discuss guided meditation but he thought it might affect his concentration but you could wear headphones to listen to whatever relaxes you.

I’ve had straightforward root canal and the only difference was the time it took and more pushing and pulling to get to the complicated bits. The painful part was the injections.

ApolloandDaphne · 01/03/2022 20:35

Mine wasn't painful at all. it was glorious relief as I was in significant pain before I had it.

BostinBab · 01/03/2022 20:35

I had one yesterday on my top molar after putting it off for years due to the fear factor.

I think I was in the chair about 90 minutes all in and didn't feel any pain during the procedure and feel OK today. BUT I did wuss out and go for an IV sedation, which was a bit of a scratch in my arm and a woozy feeling for about a couple of minutes then amazing. Expensive, but amazing.

No recollection of anything much after that, just all a blur.

Vampirethriller · 01/03/2022 20:38

Mine wasn't painful at all and I didn't have anaesthetic!

Whybirdwhy · 01/03/2022 20:39

I had one, psyched myself up for worst pain of my life....it was totally fine. A bit uncomfortable but not at all painful.

shoefactree · 01/03/2022 20:39

Excruciating. Far, far worse than childbirth. But I'd imagine it's not so bad if you can have the anaesthetic.

tiredanddangerous · 01/03/2022 20:40

I've had 2 and neither was at all painful. Worst part was the ache in my jaw from keeping my mouth open for so long!

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