For most people, root canal treatment feels much like having a long filling. The tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia first, so you should feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain. Any soreness afterwards is usually mild and settles within a few days.

Why root canals have a bad reputation

Most of the pain people link with root canals actually comes before treatment. An infected or inflamed pulp can cause severe, throbbing toothache. Root canal treatment removes the source of that pain, which is why many patients feel better once it is done.

Stories from decades ago also play a part. Anaesthetics, instruments and techniques have improved a great deal, and treatment today is far more comfortable than many people expect. Treating a tooth early, before the infection becomes severe, also tends to make the whole process easier, because the tooth is simpler to numb and the tissues around it settle faster.

What you will feel, step by step

Before treatment: numbing the tooth

Your dentist may first apply a numbing gel to the gum, then give a local anaesthetic injection. You may feel a small pinch. Within a few minutes the tooth, the gum and often part of your lip or tongue will feel numb and heavy. Treatment only starts once the tooth is fully numb.

During treatment

A thin rubber sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry. You will hear the sound of instruments and feel pressure and vibration while the dentist opens the tooth, removes the infected pulp and cleans the canals. You should not feel sharp pain. If you do, raise your hand, and more anaesthetic can be given.

Many patients find it helps to agree on a signal for a break before starting. You can rest your jaw whenever you need to.

Between sittings

If your treatment needs more than one sitting, medicine is placed inside the tooth and it is closed with a temporary filling. The tooth may feel slightly tender for a day or two. Avoid chewing hard food on it until the next visit.

After treatment

Once the numbness wears off, usually after a few hours, the tooth may feel sore, especially when you bite. This tenderness comes from the tissues around the root settling down and usually fades within a few days. Your dentist will tell you which painkillers to take if you need them.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Eat a normal meal beforehand, as you may not want to eat until the numbness wears off

• Take your regular medicines as usual unless your dentist tells you otherwise

• Tell your dentist about any medical conditions, allergies, blood thinners or pregnancy

• Bring any recent dental X-rays you have

• Plan a soft meal for later in the day

What if the tooth is very inflamed?

A badly inflamed tooth can sometimes be harder to numb. In these cases your dentist may give extra anaesthetic, use a different technique, or place medicine in the tooth to let the inflammation settle before completing treatment at the next sitting. Tell your dentist if the area still feels sensitive; you do not need to put up with it.

Caring for the tooth afterwards

Until the final filling or crown is placed, the tooth is more fragile than usual. Chew on the other side, avoid hard or sticky food on that tooth, and keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth as normal. Back teeth usually need a crown to protect them from cracking, so it is important not to delay that step. Once the tooth is fully restored, you look after it like any other tooth.

When to call your dentist

Some soreness after treatment is normal. Call your dentist if:

• swelling in your gum or face is getting bigger

• you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling near your eye: go to a hospital emergency department straight away

• the pain is getting worse after two or three days instead of better

• you have a fever or feel unwell

• the temporary filling comes out

• you notice a rash or itching after taking a medicine

How we keep treatment comfortable at Dental Life

At Dental Life, root canal treatment in Gurgaon is carried out by our endodontist, Dr Ankita Sharma. Working under dental loupes at up to 5x magnification helps her see each canal clearly and treat the tooth carefully. Treatment is usually completed in 2 to 3 sittings, and we explain each step before we begin so you know what to expect.

If you feel anxious about dental treatment, tell us when you book. We can talk you through the procedure in advance and plan regular breaks.

Dental Life is on the 1st floor of Central Plaza Mall, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurugram, and is open Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 9 PM. If a tooth is bothering you, book a consultation or call us on +91 98218 39933.