Root canals often get a bad rap. Just hearing “what causes root canal to hurt?” can cause a wave of anxiety. But here’s the truth: root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to save a badly damaged or infected tooth and avoid further complications. If you’re wondering what causes a root canal and how this dental procedure fits into your oral health journey, you’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the common causes of root canal infections, the procedure, and how to maintain dental health to avoid needing one in the first place. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or intense pain, understanding your treatment options is crucial for preserving your natural tooth and maintaining a healthy, confident smile.

Let’s Start With the Basics: What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal refers to both the inner part of a tooth (the space inside that houses the dental pulp) and the endodontic treatment used to treat infected or damaged pulp within this area. When the soft tissue inside (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected, root canal therapy is necessary to eliminate bacteria, prevent reinfection, and save the affected tooth.

This dental treatment involves cleaning out the infected pulp, disinfecting the area, and filling it with a special material (usually gutta percha). The tooth is then sealed with either a temporary filling or a crown to restore its strength, structure, and function.

So, What Causes a Root Canal in the First Place?

There are several factors that can damage the soft tissue inside your tooth, leading to infection or inflammation. Here are the main culprits:

1. Tooth Decay That Goes Too Deep

Cavities may appear minor at first, but if tooth decay isn’t treated promptly, it can progress deeper into the tooth and reach the pulp chamber. Once decay breaches the hard enamel and dentin layers, it exposes the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

When this happens, you’re no longer just dealing with a small filling, you now need a root canal to treat the infected tooth pulp.

2. Cracks, Chips, and Trauma to the Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Even tiny fractures can allow bacteria to invade the mouth and reach the dental pulp. Sometimes, a traumatic injury to a tooth (like a fall or sports accident) can cause pulp damage, even if there’s no visible crack.

If left untreated, this can lead to an infected root canal, which eventually requires endodontic therapy to save the natural tooth.

3. Repeated Dental Procedures on the Same Tooth

Have you had multiple dental treatments on one tooth over the years? This repeated stress can compromise the tooth structure and irritate the soft tissue inside. Even well-intentioned dental work like fillings, crowns, or orthodontic adjustments can result in tissue damage over time.

Eventually, this repeated trauma might cause inflamed pulp or infected tissue, triggering the need for a root canal procedure.

4. Faulty or Worn-Out Dental Work

Old fillings or crowns that don’t fit properly can allow bacteria to sneak into tiny spaces and infect the tooth pulp. If these bacteria aren’t removed, they can trigger a root canal infection, leading to pain, swelling, and further complications.

5. Gum Disease or Other Oral Health Issues

Advanced gum disease can cause inflammation that reaches beyond the gums and affects the surrounding tissues of your tooth. When this infection travels into the connective tissue or pulp, you may find yourself needing root canal therapy to preserve the affected tooth.

How Do You Know If You Might Need a Root Canal?

Root canals don’t always come with a flashing neon sign, but there are clear indicators. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

Severe pain when chewing or biting
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
Mild discomfort or throbbing pain
Discolouration of the tooth
A loose tooth
Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
Pus or drainage near the tooth (a sign of infection)
A recurring pimple on the gums (a dental abscess)

Even if you only experience mild discomfort, it’s worth visiting your dentist. Acting early can help you avoid severe consequences and protect your oral health.

Inside the Root Canal Process: What to Expect

If you’re told you need a root canal, here’s what the treatment plan generally looks like:

1. Diagnosis and Imaging

Your dentist will start with a detailed exam, likely including X-rays, to determine the extent of the damage. This helps them see the pulp chamber, identify any infected pulp, and assess whether adjacent teeth are affected.

2. Anaesthesia for a Comfortable Experience

Before the procedure begins, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Many patients are surprised at how comfortable the process actually is, root canals hurt far less than their reputation suggests.

3. Removing the Infected or Damaged Pulp

Your dentist will create a small access opening in the tooth and gently remove the infected tissue, including the nerves and blood vessels inside the pulp.

4. Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Shaping the Canal

The empty space is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate bacteria and shaped to prepare it for filling.

5. Filling and Sealing the Tooth

After cleaning, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that seals the canal and prevents reinfection. A temporary filling is placed over the top.

6. Final Restoration

A follow-up appointment may be scheduled for a permanent crown placement, which helps protect the treated tooth and restore normal function.

What Causes Root Canal to be Painful?

This is a common fear. But here’s the reassuring news: with modern pain management techniques and local anaesthetic, most people report that the root canal procedure feels no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling.

You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after treatment, especially when chewing. Over-the-counter medications usually ease the symptoms, and your dentist can recommend the best approach.

What Happens If You Ignore an Infected Tooth?

If left untreated, an infected root canal can lead to:

Intense pain that worsens over time
Spread of infection to adjacent teeth
Bone loss around the root
Formation of abscesses
Potential tooth loss
Impact on your overall oral health goals

Acting early not only saves your natural tooth but also prevents further complications that could affect your mouth and body.

Root Canal Cost in Australia: What to Expect

One of the big questions patients ask is about root canal cost. Prices can vary depending on:

The tooth affected (front vs molar)
The complexity of the dental procedure
The experience of the dentist who performs it
Additional work like crown placement

As a general guide, the starting cost for root canal therapy in Australia is about 1,000, not including the final crown. While it may seem steep, remember that preserving your natural tooth is far more cost-effective (and less invasive) than extracting it and replacing it with an implant or bridge.

Preventing Root Canals: Tips for Long-Term Dental Health

Want to steer clear of endodontic treatment? The best way is to protect your teeth from decay, injury, and infection. Here’s how:

Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste.
Schedule regular dental checkups: These help catch early signs of decay or damage.
Treat cavities early: Don’t delay small fillings, as they can prevent more serious issues later.
Use a mouthguard: If you play contact sports, protect your teeth from trauma.
Avoid grinding your teeth: Ask your dentist about night guards if you clench while sleeping.
Eat a balanced diet: Limit sugary snacks and beverages that feed harmful bacteria.

By taking care of your dental health, you can reduce your chances of ever needing root canal therapy.

Final Thoughts: Root Canals Don’t Deserve the Fear

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t panic. The root canal process is a routine, highly successful dental procedure that can save your tooth and eliminate pain. It’s not something to dread, it’s something to be thankful for.

From infected pulp to tooth decay, the causes of root canal infections are manageable with early diagnosis and proper care. And remember, the best defence is a proactive offence: consistent oral health habits and regular dental visits can make all the difference.

Got concerns about root canal treatment or tooth pain? Book a consultation today with Beyond 32 Dental at (02) 9158 6334 to save your smile.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Root canal. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal
Medical News Today. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about Local anesthesia. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265689
WebMD. (n.d.). Dental crowns. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns

What Causes Root Canal? Uncovering the Real Reasons Behind This Common Dental Procedure