Are Root Canal Treatments Painful?

Pamela Vergara • August 5, 2021

One of the biggest dental misconceptions is that root canal treatments perpetuate pain.

Who are root canal treatments recommended for?

Root canals are generally recommended to patients who suffer from an infected or inflamed nerve, which can unfortunately be a painful experience. The pain caused by the inflammation of the pulp is what patients commonly refer to as ‘root canal pain’, which really has more to do with the condition than the treatment.


In reality, root canal therapy is no more painful than a regular filling procedure.

What does a root canal treatment involve?

The treatment involves a rather intricate procedure to have the root canals cleaned and the infected pulp removed and may require several visits to the dentist. Following each session, a temporary filling may be placed to protect the affected tooth until the procedure is completed and the root canal has been permanently sealed.


While it is not something that you look forward to, the procedure is not painful in the vast majority of situations.

Root Canal Treatments at New Leaf Dentists

We understand that many root canal patients associate anxiety with dental visits. That’s why at New Leaf Dentists, we adopt advanced technologies such as using CBCT (3D) X-Rays and use a rotary endodontic system (motorised system) to make the treatment more precise and predictable.  These assist us in providing a calm and gentle procedure for our root canal patients, including nervous or phobic patients. Please inform us if you have sensitive teeth, as we will take special care and adopt measures to minimise your discomfort throughout the procedures.

If you are interested to learn more about root canal treatments available in your area, call New Leaf Dentists (Erina, NSW Dentist) at 02 4367 6222.

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Dr Rouel

New Leaf Dentist

DMD, Gen. Dent. Cert., P.G. Dip. Digital Orthodontics, FPFA, FICD, FICCDE, FADI

Rouel is the Principal Dentist at New Leaf Dentists in Erina, NSW, known for his gentle, patient-focused care. He holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Orthodontics, with interests in endodontics, prosthodontics and minimally invasive dentistry. Rouel is committed to ongoing education, contributes to CPD training, and currently serves as President (2024–2026) of the Filipino Australian Dental Association.

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