What happens during a root canal, and does it hurt?
Cadbury Dental team5 min readPublished Last updated
Root canal treatment removes infected tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them. It's done under local anaesthetic, so most patients say it feels much like having a filling. The treatment relieves pain rather than causing it.
Step by step
- 1Radiographs to map the tooth and confirm the diagnosis.
- 2Local anaesthetic and a rubber dam to keep the tooth clean and dry.
- 3The infected pulp is removed and the canals shaped and disinfected.
- 4The canals are sealed, and the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.
Afterwards
Some tenderness on biting for a few days is normal and responds to ordinary painkillers. Severe or increasing pain isn't expected — call us if that happens.
Crowns, bridges & root canal: your questions on this topic
How many appointments?
Usually one or two, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present.
Is it better to just have it out?
Sometimes, but keeping your own tooth is usually better for your bite, bone and long-term costs.
How long does a root-treated tooth last?
Many last decades, especially when protected with a crown and reviewed regularly.
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