Root canal
Root canal treatment: what happens, step by step
If you have been told you need a root canal, it helps to know what actually happens. Here is the treatment explained step by step, in plain language.
Why a root canal is needed
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a small boil on the gum. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp so the tooth itself can be kept.
What happens during treatment
- Examination and X-ray. The dentist checks the tooth and takes an X-ray to see the roots and the bone around them.
- Local anaesthesia. The area is numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain.
- Cleaning the canals. A small opening is made in the tooth, and the infected pulp is removed. The canals are cleaned and shaped with fine instruments.
- Sealing. The cleaned canals are filled and sealed so bacteria cannot return.
- Protecting the tooth. A tooth that has had a root canal is often weaker, so a filling and usually a crown are placed to protect it.
One visit or more?
Some teeth can be treated in a single sitting. Others need two or more visits, for example when there is an active infection or the canals are complex. Your dentist will tell you which applies to you after the examination.
After the treatment
Some tenderness for a few days is common, especially when biting. Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown is in place. Contact the clinic if you have severe pain, swelling or a fever.
What if a root canal fails?
Occasionally a treated tooth becomes infected again. In many cases it can be treated again (re-root canal treatment). Whether this is possible depends on the tooth and the bone around it, which is checked with an examination and an X-ray.
Common questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is common.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes. A treated tooth can become brittle, and a crown helps protect it from breaking. Your dentist will advise you after the treatment.
This article is general information for patients. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination. Whether a treatment suits you is decided only after a check-up.