You Won’t Believe How Painful a Root Canal Really Is

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:59:36 +0000

# You Won’t Believe How Painful a Root Canal Really Is—What You Need to Know When your dentist recommends a root canal, many patients react with anxiety—often fueled by myths and exaggerated stories about the procedure. You’ve probably heard: “You won’t believe how painful a root canal really is.” The truth is far different from the fear. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a root canal entails, what causes pain during and after treatment, and why modern dentistry makes it far less painful than widely believed. ## What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed? A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that’s severely infected or damaged due to decay, cracks, or repeated procedures. The pulp—the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes inflamed or infected, causing throbbing pain. Without treatment, the infection can spread, leading to abscesses and more serious health risks.