- Most patients say the procedure itself is no worse than getting a filling
- The pain before a root canal (from the infection) is almost always worse than the treatment
- Modern anesthesia makes the procedure comfortable
- Most people feel significantly better within a day or two
Root canal. Two words that make people anxious before they even know what the procedure involves. The reputation is worse than the reality. A lot worse. Here's what actually happens — and what you'll actually feel.
Why Do Root Canals Have Such a Bad Reputation?
Root canals became associated with pain because of when they were needed — not because of the procedure itself. Before modern dentistry, people only got root canals when an infection had become severe. By that point, they were already in significant pain. The procedure happened in the context of existing, intense discomfort. Today, root canals are routine. Anesthesia is excellent. Techniques have improved. The procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than a filling — and it relieves the pain of the infection that sent you to the dentist in the first place.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
The procedure takes one to two appointments and typically lasts about an hour each.
Step 1: Anesthesia. Dr. Gegzna numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue thoroughly before starting. You should feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. If you feel anything sharp, say so immediately — we can add more anesthetic.
Step 2: Accessing the tooth. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber inside.
Step 3: Removing the pulp. The infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed from the canals inside the tooth root. The canals are then cleaned and shaped.
Step 4: Sealing the tooth. The canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal them against future infection. A temporary or permanent filling closes the access opening.
Step 5: Crown. Most teeth that have had root canals need a crown afterward to protect the now-brittle tooth. This is done at a separate appointment.
Does It Hurt During the Procedure?
With proper anesthesia, most patients feel pressure and vibration from the instruments; possibly some sensitivity if the anesthetic hasn't fully set; nothing sharp or stabbing. If you're anxious about dental procedures, tell us before we start. We can take extra time to ensure you're fully numb and explain each step as we go.
What About After?
After the anesthesia wears off, it's normal to have some soreness and tenderness for a few days. The tissue around the tooth has been through a procedure, and it needs time to settle. Most patients manage post-procedure discomfort with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Prescription pain medication is rarely needed. For a fuller picture of what recovery looks like, see our dedicated aftercare guide.
What to expect in the days after: mild to moderate soreness when biting on the tooth; some sensitivity to pressure; gradual improvement each day. If pain is severe, worsening after the first couple of days, or accompanied by swelling, call us. That's not normal and may indicate a complication that needs attention.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Signs that a tooth may need a root canal: severe toothache that doesn't go away; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold after the trigger is removed; darkening of the tooth; swelling or tenderness in the nearby gum; a small bump on the gum near the tooth (abscess). Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — the problem is caught on an X-ray before it becomes painful. Either way, the solution is the same.
Is It Better to Just Pull the Tooth?
We understand the temptation. Pulling the tooth is faster and cheaper upfront. But removing a tooth creates its own problems — shifting teeth, bone loss, and the eventual cost of replacing it with an implant or bridge. In most cases, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is the better long-term decision. If you're weighing whether to save or pull the tooth, we walk through that comparison in detail. Dr. Gegzna will be straightforward with you about whether a tooth is worth saving. We serve patients from Mobile, Theodore, Grand Bay, and the surrounding Gulf Coast area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most root canals take one to two appointments of about an hour each. Complex cases may take longer.
Yes, in most cases. Root canals are performed under local anesthesia, not general sedation. You'll be alert and able to drive when you leave.
Most patients feel significantly better within 2–3 days. Full tissue healing takes a few weeks, but discomfort usually resolves quickly.
Tell us. We take dental anxiety seriously and will take extra time to make sure you're comfortable. We can walk you through every step before we start and check in with you throughout the procedure.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.