Root Canal Treatment
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
A root canal is a common dental procedure that saves a natural tooth by removing infected or damaged pulp from inside it. The dentist cleans, disinfects and seals the canals, which helps stop the infection from spreading to the jawbone [1] and restores the tooth's function. With modern anesthesia it is usually no more painful than getting a filling [1], and most treated teeth last many years, often a lifetime. [1]
Quick Answer
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, usually after a deep cavity or crack lets bacteria in. [1] The dentist numbs the area, removes the pulp, disinfects and fills the tooth and seals it, and a crown is placed later. Without treatment, the infection can spread and damage the jawbone. [1]
What the research says
Healing rates are good but not universal. A systematic review of 63 studies of first-time root canal treatment found pooled success rates between 68% and 85% for treatments completed at least a year earlier when strict criteria (no apical radiolucency on X-ray) were used, and the review noted that the quality of evidence was sub-optimal (Ng et al., International Endodontic Journal, 2007) [2].
Pain falls quickly after treatment and teeth usually survive. A narrative review of patient-centered outcomes concluded that root canal treatment causes a dramatic decrease in pain prevalence and severity over the following week, that satisfaction is extremely high, that tooth survival rates after treatment are very high, and that cost compares well with implants or fixed prostheses (Hamedy et al., Iranian Endodontic Journal, 2013) [3].
Feature | Root Canal Treatment | Tooth Extraction |
Primary Goal | Save the natural tooth | Remove the damaged tooth |
What Happens | Infected pulp removed, canals cleaned and sealed, crown placed later | The whole tooth is removed |
Long-Term Outcome | Keeps your natural tooth and bite | Leaves a gap that may need an implant or bridge |
If It Fails | Re-treatment, or removal and replacement | Not applicable |
What are the signs you may need a root canal treatment?
Signs you may need a root canal include spreading pain, pain when chewing, a gum boil, swelling, a darkened tooth or a loose tooth. [1]
Pain that spreads to the jaw, face or nearby teeth
Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
A pimple or boil on the gums that may ooze pus
A swollen jaw from a trapped infection, or tender, swollen gums
A darkened tooth
A loose tooth, when infection weakens the nearby bone [1]
Do not wait if you have swelling and pain. Go to an emergency room right away if facial swelling is spreading or you have a fever with trouble swallowing or breathing. Treatment can relieve pain, save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
What can you expect during a root canal treatment?
A dentist or endodontist performs the treatment, which usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. [1] Some root canals need more than one visit. [1]
The area is numbed with anesthesia. If you are nervous, you may be given medication to help you relax.
Cotton or a dental dam is placed to keep the area clean and dry.
A small hole is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp. [1]
Tiny tools remove the infected pulp. [1]
The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
The empty space is filled with a rubbery dental material [1] (gutta-percha).
The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. [1]
Later, a permanent crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore your bite. [1]
What are recovery and aftercare like after a root canal treatment?
Most people recover in less than a week. [1] You may have some lingering sensitivity and mild soreness, but you should not have pain that lasts longer than that; if you do, call your provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for temporary discomfort.
Avoid smoking, which can slow healing. [1]
Brush after meals and floss once a day.
Eat soft foods for a few days, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies or well-cooked pasta. [1]
Do not bite down on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. [1]
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep germs away.
Aftercare Step | Purpose |
Eat soft foods for a few days | Protect the treated tooth and temporary filling |
Avoid smoking | Support faster healing |
Brush gently and floss daily | Keep the area clean without irritation |
Use antibacterial mouthwash | Reduce bacteria |
What are the risks of root canal treatment, and how can you prevent problems?
Sometimes a root canal does not work if the damage is too severe. [1] If that happens, your provider may re-treat the tooth with another root canal or remove it and replace it with an implant or bridge. [1] To avoid needing a root canal in the first place, brush after meals, floss daily and have regular dental checkups. [1]
Conclusion
A root canal clears infection from inside a tooth and helps you keep your natural tooth. With modern anesthesia the procedure is usually comfortable, recovery is quick, and with good oral hygiene and a permanent crown, a treated tooth can serve you for many years.
Next step: If you have a lingering toothache, pain with hot or cold, swelling or a boil on your gums, see your dentist soon. An infected tooth will not heal on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do root canals hurt?
Thanks to modern anesthesia, root canals are usually no more painful than getting a filling. You may feel pressure during the procedure and mild soreness afterward. If your tooth hurts more after treatment, especially with throbbing pain, call your provider.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and some need more than one visit. A permanent crown is placed later; you will likely have two more appointments, one to prepare for the crown and one to place it.
Is it better to get a root canal or pull the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth is generally the preferred option, because it keeps your own tooth and bite and avoids replacing it with an implant or bridge. Your dentist will advise which is right for your tooth.
Can a tooth get infected again after a root canal?
Sometimes a root canal does not work, especially if the damage is too severe. In that case your provider may re-treat the tooth with another root canal, or remove it and replace it with an implant or bridge.
How much does a root canal cost?
Cost varies with the tooth, the complexity of the case and where you live, and a crown usually adds to it. Ask your dental office for an estimate and check your insurance coverage. Research comparing costs found root canal treatment compares well with replacing a tooth using an implant or fixed prosthesis.
Can I drive home after a root canal?
If you had only local anesthesia you can usually drive yourself. If you were given medication to help you relax, you may be drowsy afterward, so arrange for someone to drive you.
How long will a root canal last?
Most root canals are successful and can last many years, often a lifetime, but there is no guarantee. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups and the permanent crown all help protect the tooth.
What should I eat after a root canal?
Eat soft foods for a few days, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs or well-cooked pasta. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, and do not bite down on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
A permanent crown protects the treated tooth and restores your bite. Until it is placed, the tooth has only a temporary filling, so avoid chewing on it.
Is a root canal an emergency?
These infections do not heal on their own. If you have swelling and pain, do not wait: treatment can relieve pain, save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading. See a dentist as soon as possible.
When should I call my provider after a root canal?
Contact your provider if you have throbbing pain in the tooth, or if you have pain that lasts longer than about a week.
Related Reading
Dental Crowns: Types, Procedure and How Long They Last explains how dental crowns protect damaged teeth.
Dental Fillings: Types, Procedure and How Long They Last explains how dental fillings repair cavities.
Treating decay that reaches the pulp: Pulpotomy: Procedure, Recovery, Benefits and Risks
References
Cleveland Clinic. Root Canal. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated September 15, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal
Ng YL, Mann V, Rahbaran S, Lewsey J, Gulabivala K. Outcome of primary root canal treatment: systematic review of the literature - part 1. Effects of study characteristics on probability of success. International Endodontic Journal. 2007;40(12):921-939. PMID 17931389. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2007.01322.x
Hamedy R, Shakiba B, Fayazi S, et al. Patient-centered endodontic outcomes: a narrative review. Iranian Endodontic Journal. 2013;8(4):197-204. PMID 24171029. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24171029/
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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