Face 
Dentistry If there is one question that comes up again and again about root canal treatment, it is this:
Will it hurt?
The reputation of root canal treatment means you might be worried before you’ve even spoken to a dentist about what actually happens.
Root canal treatment is normally carried out using local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
The NHS explains that patients are usually awake during treatment but local anaesthetic is used so that they should not feel pain during the procedure.
That doesn’t mean everybody’s experience is identical, and it doesn’t mean you won’t notice anything at all.
Let’s separate what you might feel from what you might notice.
Normally, yes.
Local anaesthetic is used before treatment begins.
Your clinician will allow time for the anaesthetic to work and check the area before starting treatment.
Some teeth can be more challenging to numb than others, particularly where there is significant inflammation.
If you can still feel discomfort, tell your clinician.
You aren’t expected simply to put up with it.
Even when an area is numb, you can still be aware that dental treatment is taking place.
You might notice:
These sensations are different from pain.
If you are unsure about something you are feeling, tell your clinician.
There are probably several reasons.
One is that people often associate the pain that led to treatment with the treatment itself.
A tooth requiring root canal treatment can sometimes be extremely painful before the procedure.
There are also stories passed between friends, relatives and online communities – and difficult experiences naturally tend to be remembered and retold.
Dental techniques, anaesthesia and equipment have also changed over time.
None of that means we should promise you that treatment will be completely sensation-free.
It means that frightening stories aren’t a reliable prediction of your experience.
Tell us.
You won’t be the first person to say:
“I’m frightened of having a root canal.”
Knowing that you’re anxious helps your dental team support you.
Before treatment, it can be useful to agree:
Some people feel reassured by understanding everything.
Others would rather not hear a running commentary.
Both are reasonable.
Your tooth and the surrounding tissues may feel tender or sore after treatment.
The NHS advises that the area around the tooth can feel sore or swollen and should improve as it recovers.
How you feel will depend on the tooth and treatment you’ve had.
Your clinician will give you appropriate aftercare advice.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms after treatment, contact the practice.
The effect of local anaesthetic can continue after your appointment.
Your clinician will give you advice about eating and drinking while your mouth is numb.
Take care not to accidentally bite your lip, cheek or tongue while normal sensation is returning.
A tooth that is very inflamed can sometimes be more challenging to numb.
That doesn’t mean treatment should simply continue regardless of your comfort.
Your clinician will assess the situation and use appropriate anaesthetic techniques.
If you’ve experienced difficulty becoming numb during dental treatment before, tell us.
That is useful clinical information.
This isn’t a claim we would make.
Seeing a Specialist Endodontist doesn’t mean Evolve can promise a pain-free experience or that treatment will necessarily feel different from root canal treatment provided by another dentist.
Specialist endodontic care may be considered because of the complexity of the clinical problem, not as a guarantee about comfort or outcome.
At Evolve, Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist, provides specialist endodontic assessment and treatment.
Read: What is an endodontist and why might I need to see one?
Reality: Local anaesthetic is normally used. Experiences vary, and some tenderness after treatment can occur.
Reality: You may notice pressure, movement, vibration and other sensations even when the tooth is numb.
Reality: Some tenderness can occur following treatment. If you’re concerned about the amount of discomfort or how it is progressing, contact your clinician for advice.
Reality: Specialist status relates to recognised training and registration in a particular field. It isn’t a guarantee about pain or treatment outcome.
The most useful thing is to tell us what you’re worried about.
You can also:
Being informed can remove some of the uncertainty surrounding treatment.
You can agree a signal with your clinician before treatment begins so that you can let them know if you need their attention or a pause.
People experience local anaesthetic differently. You may notice the injection and some temporary discomfort as the anaesthetic is administered.
Local anaesthetic alone does not normally prevent you from driving, but individual circumstances can vary. Follow any specific instructions your clinician gives you, particularly if any medication or sedation has been used.
Follow the aftercare instructions you’ve been given. If the level of discomfort concerns you, symptoms are worsening or something doesn’t feel right, contact the practice.
Follow the treatment from assessment through to restoring the tooth.
Read: What happens during root canal treatment?
Or download:
What it means, what to expect and understanding your options
If you’d like to discuss specialist endodontic care with Evolve, you can self-refer or ask your dentist to refer you.
Speak to our team about an endodontic assessment
If you’re feeling anxious about root canal treatment, you’re certainly not alone.
Our Specialist Endodontist, Alex Brett, understands that the thought of dental treatment can be worrying, particularly if you’ve previously experienced toothache or a difficult dental appointment.
Alex takes a calm, reassuring approach, explaining each stage of treatment and helping patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their visit.
Modern techniques and local anaesthetic mean root canal treatment can usually be carried out comfortably, and Alex will always take time to discuss any concerns you may have.
If you’re worried about treatment, we’re here to listen and help.
Understanding what happens during treatment can help you feel more prepared and confident about your options.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we provide general root canal treatment and specialist endodontic care with Dr Alex Brett. Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or would prefer to contact us directly, our team can help you understand the next steps.
Find out about root canal treatment at Evolve Dentistry
For independent information, see the NHS guide to root canal treatment.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste?
Because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
It’s one of those small, everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference to your oral health over time.
In this short video, Yasmin explains why fluoride is recommended and why the toothpaste you use matters.
Simple advice, but an important part of looking after your teeth between appointments.
#OralHealth #Fluoride #DentalCare #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
💚 A little perspective from Zambia…
Carol has shared some more photos from her volunteering trip, along with a statistic that really puts things into perspective.
🇿🇲 In Zambia, there are just 450 dentists for a population of 21 million people.
That’s approximately one dentist for every 47,000 people.
For many communities, accessing dental care is incredibly difficult, and treatment that we might take for granted here in the UK simply isn’t readily available.
It’s a powerful reminder of how important access to dental care is, and why trips like this can make such a difference.
We’re incredibly proud of Carol for giving her time and skills to help people who might otherwise struggle to receive the care they need.
And we’re loving seeing the photos and hearing about her experiences along the way! 💚
#EvolveDentistry #DentalVolunteering #Zambia #MakingADifference #Portishead
Evolve didn’t begin with a treatment list. It began with an idea about how going to the dentist could feel.
Carol wanted to create a practice where excellent dentistry and genuinely thoughtful patient care sat side by side. Somewhere people felt listened to, comfortable asking questions and involved in decisions about their care.
In this short video, Carol shares why she started Evolve and what she wanted to create.
Nearly 18 years later, that original idea still shapes the way we look after people every day.
#EvolveDentistry #OurStory #Portishead PatientCare
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
BannerText_Seraphinite Accelerator
