Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a common dental procedure used to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth. The goal of the procedure is to remove the damaged area of the tooth that has become infected due to deep decay or trauma, and then restore it back to its full function.

It is important to first understand that when people talk about “getting a root canal,” they are actually referring to having root canal therapy performed. Now let’s answer your question: Is it painful?

The short answer is no; most people experience minimal discomfort during and after their root canal treatment. In fact, many patients report feeling relieved after the procedure because this often eliminates any pain associated with an abscessed or severely decayed tooth! While there may be some pain from minor inflammation in your nerve endings following your endodontic appointment, this can usually be reduced by taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.

During therapy itself (which typically takes one visit), dentists will use a local anesthetic on the affected tooth area before drilling into it and inserting special instruments into its small canals – hence why it’s called a “root canal”. This means you won’t feel any sensation at all during the actual surgery! However, keep in mind that anesthesia wears off more quickly when numbing teeth so if you find yourself experiencing increased discomfort afterward make sure you contact your dentist for additional relief methods – eg: cold packs/ice chips over lateral parts of the jaw bone where dull pain persists…etc).

All things considered, modern dental technologies have greatly advanced how we treat endodontic procedures today making them much less uncomfortable than ever before! So while understanding root canals may cause anxiety for some patients concerned about potential discomfort involved – rest assured they are nothing close to what they used to be decades ago.