Do root canals hurt?

[vanillaskin]

I’ve got a tooth that is being a pain. My dentist drilled down to the nerve and packed with biodentine and I went back to have a filling on top of it
since the filling was added, it’s sensitive again to hot and cold

when he drilled down he said he couldn’t numb it like an extraction? And it was not pleasant!
I am worried the nerve isn’t dead and how much it will hurt if it’s not numbed like last time as I’m not a great dentist patient!

No. They Inject you so the area is totally numb. The actual needle going in hurts for a second.

It's uncomfortable having your mouth clamped open for ages though. But you just feel pressure, buzzing etc. it does take quite a bit longer than a regular filling.

But afterwards it's a great relief if that tooth was giving plenty of pain. You have to keep it really clean though as it's more vulnerable, even with a crown.

As I said, I didn't realise regular dentists could do root canal. I have 2 dentists, in the UK and 1 abroad and both said they didn't have the specialist equipment to perform it and would refer me to an endodontist. If OP's dentist does have the skills/equipment, their result are as good as a specialist, and its covered by her plan, then that is good.

Thanks. When he did the biodentine he said he had to drill through to the nerve and couldn’t numb like an extraction (not sure why) he did 2 injections at the very back of my lower gums (2nd molar from back)
I am incredibly hard to numb which is why I’m scared

The procedure whilst not particularly pleasant won’t hurt as you will be numbed. Once the anaesthetic wears off it can be quite sore but nothing painkillers won’t sort. That can last a while though.

I have had a few and still have all the teeth.

I didn't feel a thing with my root canal, it made me get over my 30 year fear of dentists, in fact my last clean was more uncomfortalble.

I've had several root canals done and not felt any pain at all. My dentist specialises in root canal work, so maybe that make a difference, but honestly, the worst bit is the numbing injections. After you are numb, it's just a long and boring procedure - there is no sensation in the tooth at all. Afterwards, I've felt a little bit bruised but nothing that I needed to take pain relief for.

I’ve had one. It takes longer than a filling and is a bit more faffy but if they numb you up properly you won’t feel anything

I've had 4 root canals, none of them hurt at all because the tooth was numbed. They were a bit sore afterwards, but not like toothache, more that they'd been bashed about, if you know what I mean. Painkillers helped and it didn't last long. It's really nothing to worry about.

2 injections is nothing, I wouldn't be very happy if after only 2 injections and it still being sensitive the dentist said "they couldn't numb it like a normal tooth".

You absolutely numb the pulp the same as any other procedure on a tooth.

Some people do need more local, and as I said there is the odd tooth that's very inflamed and so harder to numb, but you shouldn't be putting up with pain during the procedure. If you are in any pain get the dentist to put more local in and don't accept after only 2 injections that they aren't able to numb the tooth properly. It shouldn't be a painful procedure, and tbh neither should biodentine

somewhat weirdly I have come into some money this afternoon! I am going to just get a second opinion at another dentist - I’ve used them before for a complex wisdom tooth extraction and they’re excellent
this tooth has been a pain for so long it’s probably worth the £120 consult
I am a redhead so usual anaesthetic issues

Off for my second opinion/possibly the work this afternoon
the dentists I’m going to is called pain free and well, they have been before! It’s pricey but I would rather throw the money at it and be actually numb

Good luck OP!
Whilst sometimes redheads can need more anaesthetic you should be numb, and no dentist should make you tolerate pain during treatment!

I hope it goes smoothly

For those who have had root canal, if the procedure is long and boring, would the dentist allow you to put in ear buds and listen to an audiobook? I use any excuse to listen to a story.

I’ve done that before for dental work as it helps my fear

Done!
got to go back next month for the final bit and a crown
£1750 and worth it as I was properly numbed, had 7 injections in various places
he said two of the nerves didn’t bleed which meant dead?

Ah so glad!
Yes if they don't bleed it means they're dead, hence why it needed a root canal.

Apparently he took my “I struggle being numb” as a challenge as I am still numb now

Had the second part done today for anyone searching in future
some rod things? Took about 90 mins while they 3d printed and fitted the crown. Didn’t feel anything at all

Deleted - out of date

And it failed all that money and time and I’m going to lose the tooth

Deleted as just seen most recent post.

I am sorry you're going to lose the tooth OP.

I absolutely will not tolerate dental pain. I am not dental phobic but I had some awfully painful procedures as a child and as soon as I had autonomy (i.e from 16 years old)I decided I wasn't having it any longer.

I don't have injections, I go to dentists that use the wand or similar.

I have had a root canal, the worst part of it was being bored for about an hour! I have a fabulous dentist, I was totally numb and didn't feel a thing.

I’ve had two root canals on back molars, no pain with either, they take ages but my dentist puts a rubber wedge in to keep mouth open so it’s not uncomfortable trying to keep jaw open either.

One of then failed and needed extraction not long after, but the dentist did warn it was a possibility.

That's bad luck op, pity you can't get a refund!

What's the wand? I haven't heard of that.