What Happens During a Root Canal and Why It’s Not as Scary as You Think

Health Apr 21, 2025 17 Add to Reading List

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you may feel uneasy or even scared. It’s a common procedure, but there’s a lot of misinformation that can cause unnecessary fear. Understanding what happens during a root canal can help alleviate that fear and show you why this treatment is often much easier and more comfortable than expected. Root Canal Therapy in NW Calgary is a procedure designed to save a damaged tooth and eliminate the pain caused by an infected or inflamed pulp. Let’s break down what happens during a root canal, why it’s not as scary as you think, and how it can actually save your tooth.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage to the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this tissue becomes infected or inflamed due to decay or trauma, a root canal is often needed to save the tooth from extraction.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

There are several reasons why you might need root canal therapy. The most common causes include:

Deep Tooth Decay: When a cavity reaches the pulp, bacteria can enter and cause infection.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A physical injury can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection.
Repeated Dental Procedures: If a tooth has had multiple fillings or procedures, it may become weakened, increasing the risk of pulp damage.
Severe Pain or Swelling: A root canal may be necessary if you experience persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot or cold.

In these cases, root canal therapy in NW Calgary can save the tooth, eliminate the infection, and restore it to its full function.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

While the procedure might sound daunting, the process is fairly straightforward, and you’ll be made as comfortable as possible. Here's what you can expect during a typical root canal procedure:

Initial Consultation and X-rays: The first step is to see your dentist for a thorough examination. The dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and plan the procedure. This helps ensure that the infection is contained within the tooth and hasn’t spread to surrounding tissue.
Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure starts, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Accessing the Pulp: Once you're numb, your dentist will make a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside. They will remove the pulp, cleaning out all the infected tissue.
Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal: The dentist will then carefully clean and shape the interior of the root canal to remove all remnants of the infected pulp and prepare it for filling. This is an important step to prevent future infection.
Filling the Root Canal: After the tooth is cleaned, it will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material seals the root canal and prevents any bacteria from entering the space again.
Sealing the Tooth: Once the root canal is filled, the dentist will place a temporary filling to close the hole. This will be replaced with a permanent filling or crown at a follow-up visit. In some cases, the tooth may require a crown to restore its full strength and function.
Aftercare: Following the procedure, your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. You may experience some tenderness for a few days, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

How Painful is a Root Canal?

One of the biggest myths about root canals is that they’re extremely painful. In reality, root canals are no more painful than having a filling done. Thanks to modern technology and local anesthesia, the procedure is relatively pain-free. Any discomfort you may feel is typically mild and temporary, lasting only a few days after the procedure.

If you’ve been experiencing pain before the procedure, you’ll actually feel relief once the infection is removed. For many patients, the relief after a root canal is immediate, as the source of their discomfort is gone.

Why Root Canal Therapy is Beneficial

Root canal therapy has several key benefits:

Saves Your Tooth: A root canal can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. This helps maintain your smile, bite, and overall oral health.
Prevents Further Infection: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues.
Restores Full Function: Once the root canal is complete, your tooth is restored to full functionality, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worry.

Common Myths About Root Canals

It’s common for people to fear root canals due to myths and misconceptions. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths:

Myth 1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
As mentioned earlier, root canals are not as painful as they’re made out to be. With modern anesthesia, the procedure is generally pain-free.
Myth 2: A Root Canal Means the Tooth Is Lost Forever
Another misconception is that the tooth is permanently weakened after a root canal. In fact, with proper restoration, the tooth can last many years, if not a lifetime.
Myth 3: Root Canals Are Time-Consuming and Expensive
While root canal therapy may take longer than a typical filling, it is a necessary procedure to save your tooth and avoid more costly procedures like extraction and implants. It’s worth the investment in your long-term oral health.

How to Care for Your Tooth After a Root Canal

After your root canal therapy in NW Calgary, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to promote healing. Here are some tips for optimal recovery:

Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: While the temporary filling is in place, avoid chewing hard foods on that tooth to prevent any damage.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing daily to keep your mouth clean and prevent future infections.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth heals properly and the permanent restoration is in place.

Why It’s Not as Scary as You Think

It’s understandable that a root canal can sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most common dental procedures. Thanks to advances in dental technology, the process is quicker, more efficient, and far less painful than many people believe. With local anesthesia and modern techniques, your dentist can ensure a comfortable experience.

If you are looking for a trusted dental clinic for your root canal therapy, Apy Hill Dental Clinic in NW Calgary is here to provide the care you need. Our team of experienced professionals will guide you through the process and ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Conclusion

A root canal may sound frightening at first, but it’s an important and often straightforward procedure that can save your tooth and relieve your pain. If you’ve been putting off treatment out of fear, remember that modern root canal therapy is not as scary or painful as you might think. If you're in need of root canal therapy in NW Calgary, consider visiting Apy Hill Dental Clinic. Our team will ensure you receive the best care possible, making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.