Do Root Canals Hurt? Everything You Need to Know About Pain & Modern Treatment

Dr. Jason Stott
2 days ago
5 min read

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleaning and sealing the area to save the tooth from extraction. Sounds intense, right?

But here's the reality: modern root canals feel nothing like they used to. In fact, the success rate of root canals is very high, between 86 and 98%.

During the procedure, patients often experience little to no pain thanks to local anaesthesia and minimally invasive tools. Afterwards, discomfort tends to mimic the soreness you’d get from a dental filling or routine extraction and usually fades within a few days.

New techniques and technology have dramatically lowered the pain levels associated with root canal therapy, leaving behind the myths but saving the tooth.

How Painful Is a Root Canal on a Scale of 1 to 10?

Research says that the pain level, from 0 to 10, is often 1.2 on average.

54% of patients did not experience pain during root canals.

Dr. Segura-Egea JJ

Measuring the Pain: Root Canals vs. Expectations

In practice, most patients describe the pain of a root canal as surprisingly low.

On a standard pain scale from 1 to 10, where 1 represents barely noticeable discomfort and 10 signals unbearable pain, root canals routinely land around a 2 or 3.

What tips the scale the other direction isn’t the procedure itself, but the inflammation or infection leading up to it.

Local Anesthesia Changes the Experience

During the procedure, dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area fully.

Once it takes effect, the tooth, surrounding gum, and nerves in the working area stop transmitting any pain signals.

What to Expect After the Procedure

When the numbness begins to wear off, there might be some tenderness in the jaw or mild soreness around the treated tooth. This discomfort is usually short-lived and manageable.

Most people turn to nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications, commonly ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and find that any residual discomfort quickly fades.

During the procedure, the pain level is typically 2/10 or lower
Pressure or vibration may be noticeable, but not painful
Post-procedure sensitivity can reach 3-4/10 but drops in a day or two

So, what does this mean for someone facing their first root canal?

When Can You Eat After a Root Canal?

The lingering effects of local anaesthesia can last anywhere from two to four hours. During this window, chewing anything at all invites trouble.

Just wait until full sensation returns.

Chew Carefully

Once the numbing effect fades, go with soft-textured foods first. Think scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, or yogurt. These types of foods won’t stress your treated tooth or disturb the temporary filling placed during the procedure.

Not sure what qualifies as soft? Take a look at this guide to soft diets for a full list of options.

Transition to Normal Eating Gradually

If the tooth feels stable and there's no sensitivity, add firmer textures to your meals over the next day or two. Just keep anything sticky, crunchy, or hard off the plate until your permanent crown or final restoration is in place.

Pay Attention to Your Bite

Notice any tenderness when you chew? That’s your cue to use the other side for a while. A properly treated root canal shouldn’t hurt while eating, but mild sensitivity can remain for a few days. If something feels uneven or off when closing your mouth, ask your dentist to adjust the bite.

Timeline tip: Wait 2–4 hours before eating.
Start with: Soft, neutral-temperature foods.
Avoid: Sticky, chewy, or crunchy items until your final restoration is placed.

Can I Drive After a Root Canal?

In most situations, yes, you absolutely can drive yourself home. The majority of root canal procedures rely on local anesthesia, which only numbs a specific area of your mouth without affecting your cognitive abilities or motor skills.

Local anesthetics like lidocaine or articaine work by blocking nerve signals in the treated area.

When Driving Might Not Be a Good Idea

There are a few exceptions to the rule. While local anesthetic alone won't sideline you, any form of sedation changes the situation entirely.

Oral sedation: Medications like diazepam or triazolam can relax you before and during the treatment, but they linger in your system for hours and affect coordination and judgment.
IV sedation: This involves sedatives delivered directly into your bloodstream. It has a more immediate and profound effect, requiring someone else to drive you home.
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy: Even if no sedatives are used, the stress of the procedure or low blood sugar from not eating beforehand can leave you feeling off-balance. If that’s the case, play it safe and call a friend or rideshare.

Can You Go Back to Work After a Root Canal?

Some people head back to the office within hours; others take a day to recover.

Most root canals are done under local anesthesia and don’t require sedation, so there's no mandatory downtime imposed by the treatment itself.

But your individual experience varies based on how complex the procedure was and how your body responds.

Here’s what might influence your decision:

Extent of the procedure: If the infection was severe or if multiple canals were treated, post-op discomfort or swelling might warrant a recovery day.
Physical demands of your job: Desk job? You’ll likely manage fine. But if you handle physically strenuous tasks or roles involving heavy communication, reduced energy or jaw sensitivity might slow you down.
Pain threshold and anesthesia response: Some feel mild soreness. Others experience jaw stiffness or tenderness for a day or two—especially if they had to keep their mouth open for an extended time.

Things to avoid while recovering at work

Even if you're back at your desk, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid chewing on the treated side—especially sticky, hard, or crunchy foods.
Skip coffee or very hot drinks, especially if numbness hasn’t fully worn off.
Bring over-the-counter pain relievers with you. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen help manage residual soreness throughout the day.

Pay attention to how you feel by mid-morning. Still uncomfortable? Don’t push through. A short rest helps more in the long run than powering through pain.

Conclusion

Root canals may sound intimidating, but modern techniques have made them far less painful than their reputation suggests. With effective local anesthesia, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure and manageable soreness afterward.

Knowing what to expect, from pain levels to eating habits and post-treatment care, can help ease anxiety and ensure a smooth recovery. Rather than something to fear, a root canal is now a safe and effective way to relieve pain and save a natural tooth.

FAQs About Root Canal Pain

How painful is a root canal?

Thanks to local anesthesia and modern tools, most patients rate the pain during a root canal as 2 out of 10 or lower.

When can I eat after a root canal?

Wait 2–4 hours until the numbness wears off. Start with soft foods and avoid anything hard or sticky until the final restoration is placed.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

Yes, if only local anesthesia is used. However, if you receive sedation, you’ll need someone else to drive you.