Severe Tooth Pain? No Idea About Root Canal Treatment? This Simple Guide Is for You

By Dr. Sruthi Krishna

BDS, PGD Endodontics

If you are reading this, chances are you are either in tooth pain right now, or someone-maybe another dentist, a friend, or even Google—has told you that you might need a root canal treatment. And let me guess… you are worried, confused, or even a little scared.

As a dentist practicing in Malaysia, I meet patients every single day who tell me:

“Doctor, I’ve heard root canal is very painful.”

“Doctor, my friend said better to remove the tooth.”

“Doctor, I really don’t know what a root canal is.”

If this sounds like you, please relax. This blog is written especially for you. I am going to explain everything slowly, honestly, and in very simple language—just like I would if you were sitting in my dental chair.

No complicated medical terms. No scary talk. Just the truth.

Let Me Start by Saying This Clearly

Root canal treatment is not something to be afraid of.

In fact, it is one of the most important treatments we do to:

• Stop severe tooth pain

• Remove infection

• Save your natural tooth

Most of the fear around root canal treatment comes from old stories, misinformation, or past bad experiences. Dentistry today especially here in Malaysia has changed a lot.

Why Malaysians Often Delay Dental Treatment

I want to talk honestly about something I see very often with Malaysian patients.

Many people:

• Tahan pain for weeks

• Take painkillers daily

• Use clove oil or home remedies

• Wait until swelling becomes severe

Some patients tell me,

“Doctor, I thought the pain will go away.”

Others say,

“I was busy with work.”

“I was scared of the treatment.”

I understand this. Life is busy. Dental fear is real. But delaying treatment usually makes things more painful, more complicated, and more expensive later.

What Is Actually Causing Your Tooth Pain?

Let’s understand the reason behind the pain.

Every tooth has three layers:

1. Enamel – the hard outer layer

2. Dentin– the layer underneath

3. Pulp– the soft inner part with nerves and blood vessels

When tooth decay, cracks, or trauma allow bacteria to reach the pulp, the nerve becomes infected. This infection causes:

• Constant throbbing pain

• Pain when drinking hot kopi or teh tarik

• Pain while chewing nasi or roti

• Pain that wakes you up at night

Painkillers may reduce the pain temporarily, but they do not remove the infection.

So, What Exactly Is Root Canal Treatment?

Let me explain this very simply.

Root canal treatment is a procedure where we remove the infected nerve from inside the tooth, clean the infection, and seal the tooth so it can stay in your mouth.

That’s it.

We are not removing the tooth.

We are removing the infection.

After treatment, the pain goes away because the source of pain is gone.

Why Is It Called “Root Canal”?

Inside the roots of your tooth, there are narrow channels called canals. These canals contain the nerve tissue.

When the nerve gets infected, we clean these canals.

That is why it is called root canal treatment.

Common Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Many Malaysian patients come only when the pain becomes unbearable. But here are warning signs you should not ignore:

• Severe or lingering tooth pain

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long

• Pain while chewing

• Swelling near the gums

• Pimple-like bump on the gum

• Tooth turning darker in colour

Sometimes, there may be no pain, but infection is still present. This is why dental check-ups are important.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful? (Let Me Be Very Honest)

This is the most common question I get.

So let me answer it clearly:

👉 No. Root canal treatment today is not painful.

We use:

• Effective local anaesthesia

• Gentle instruments

• Modern techniques

Most patients tell me after the treatment:

“Doctor, I thought it will be painful, but it was okay.”

In fact, the pain you feel before treatment is much worse than the treatment itself.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment? (Step by Step)

I always believe that fear reduces when you know what to expect.

Here is exactly what happens.

Step 1: Examination

I examine your tooth and take an X-ray to see how deep the infection is.

Step 2: Numbing the Tooth

Local anaesthesia is given. You will not feel pain.

Step 3: Cleaning the Infection

I carefully remove the infected nerve tissue from inside the tooth.

Step 4: Disinfection

The canals are cleaned thoroughly to remove bacteria.

Step 5: Filling and Sealing

The canals are filled with a safe material and sealed.

Step 6: Crown (If Needed)

In many cases, we place a crown later to protect the tooth.

How Many Visits Does It Take?

This depends on:

• The tooth involved

• The severity of infection

• Number of canals

Some cases take one visit, some take two visits. I always explain this clearly before starting.

Why a Crown Is Often Important After Root Canal

Many patients ask me,

“Doctor, can I leave the tooth without crown?”

Here is the truth.

After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes:

• Weaker

• More prone to fracture

A crown:

• Protects the toothr

• Restores strength

• Helps the tooth last many years

Skipping a crown increases the risk of the tooth breaking later.

What Happens If You Don’t Do Root Canal Treatment?

I want to be very honest here.

If you delay or avoid treatment:

• Infection can spread to the jawbone

• Swelling can increase

• Pus can form

• Pain can become severe

• Tooth may need extraction

Many patients come back later saying,

“Doctor, now can’t save the tooth.”

Early treatment saves both tooth and money.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is always better.

Root canal treatment:

• Preserves natural chewing

• Maintains jawbone

• Prevents shifting of other teeth

Extraction should be the last option.

Life After Root Canal Treatment

After treatment:

• Mild soreness may last 1–2 days

• Normal eating can resume gradually

• Normal eating can resume gradually

Most patients feel relief very quickly.

How Long Will a Root Canal Treated Tooth Last?

With proper care:

• Good oral hygiene

• Regular dental visits

• Crown protection

A root canal treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime.

Common Myths I Hear From Malaysian Patients

“Doctor, root canal is dangerous.”

→ No, untreated infection is dangerous.

“Doctor, better pull out, cheaper.”

→ Replacing a tooth costs more in the long run.

“Doctor, root canal always fails.”

→ Success rates are very high when done properly.

My Advice to You as a Dentist

If you are having tooth pain:

• Don’t ignore it

• Don’t rely on painkillers alone

• Don’t be afraid of treatment

The earlier you treat it, the simpler it becomes.

A Personal Message From Me to You

If there is one thing I want you to take away from this blog, it is this — root canal treatment is not something to fear, but something to trust when done at the right time.

As a dentist, and more importantly as someone who speaks to patients every day here in Malaysia, I see how much unnecessary pain people go through simply because they are unsure, scared, or misinformed. Many patients visit a dental clinic in JB only when the pain becomes unbearable, not realising that severe tooth pain is the body’s way of asking for help. Ignoring it or delaying care often turns a manageable issue into a much bigger problem.

Root canal treatment JB is designed to relieve pain, remove infection, and save your natural tooth. With modern dentistry, proper diagnosis, and gentle techniques, the procedure is far more comfortable than most people expect. When treated early, it allows you to continue eating, smiling, and living confidently—without constant discomfort or worry.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, my advice is simple: don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. Seek professional dental care early, ask questions, and understand your options. When you know what is happening and why a root canal treatment is recommended, fear naturally reduces.

Your teeth play an important role in your overall health and quality of life. Taking care of them today helps you avoid bigger problems tomorrow. If you are unsure whether you need root canal treatment in JB or simply want clarity about your dental condition, a consultation is always the best first step.

At Asiaa Dental Clinic JB, our focus is always on patient comfort, clear communication, and preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Sometimes, reassurance, timely care, and the right dental guidance make all the difference.

– Dr. Sruthi Krishna

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