CarolinasDentist Blog

Is a Root Canal Painful?

young man sitting in the dentist's chair ready for root canal therapy

Are root canal procedures painful? This might be the most commonly asked question in dentists’ offices across the nation and the world. Root canals are feared for all the wrong reasons. They’re actually a fantastic procedure that comes with little to no pain. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand why you need not fear the root canal.

The Myth: Root Canals Are Painful

You might be confused now. You always thought root canals were an excruciating procedure to be avoided at all costs? While we hope you never have to get a root canal procedure, it’s not because they’re painful. In fact, root canal procedures feel, to patients, a lot like getting a cavity filled. So why do so many fear the root canal? There is a slew of reasons, and most are based on history and myth. The truth is, root canals were painful procedures until we were blessed with the technological advancements in dentistry that came in the last several decades.

A Pain-Free Procedure

Modern root canals are virtually pain-free, and you can thank anesthetics for that. At the beginning of the procedure, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, the dentist will drill into the tooth, creating a small hole that gives them access to the inside of the tooth. After removing all of the infected pulp within the tooth, and cleaning the area, the tooth is sealed to keep any germs and bacteria from getting back into the tooth. Depending on the damage from the infection, the procedure may be followed up by the placement of a dental crown.

Root Canals & More at CarolinasDentist

Doesn’t sound so bad, does it? If you’re due for a root canal and you have further concerns, we’re here to do whatever is needed to ease your fears. Give our office a call to talk to a member of our friendly and experienced staff.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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