Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need To Know

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to expect from root canal treatment

Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Yvette Brazier and Bethany Grayland-Leech — Updated on August 1, 2025

Purpose
Process
Pain and dental anxiety
Recovery and aftercare
Contacting a dentist
Cost
Summary

Root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing an infection from inside a tooth.

The root canal is the hollow section of a tooth that contains the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells, also known as the pulp.

A tooth consists of a crown and roots. The crown is mainly above the gum, while the roots are below it, attaching the tooth to the jawbone.

Inside the crown and the root, or the root canal, is the pulp. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding material. The nerves in the pulp sense hot and cold temperatures.

Why is a root canal treatment necessary?

View from the perspective of a person at the dentist about to undergo a root canal. — Igor Paszkiewicz/Getty Images

A person may require root canal treatment if their tooth is causing pain as a result of:

tooth decay
gum disease
a dental abscess
a chipped or broken tooth

If the pulp becomes injured or diseased, it cannot repair itself, and the tissue dies. If there is a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling, bacteria can enter the pulp and eventually destroy it.

If the bacteria penetrate through the root openings, they can cause an infection in the bone. An infection can weaken the bone and cause it to break down. Additionally, the ligaments around the tooth can swell, causing the tooth to become loose.

Without treatment, the infection can spread, and the tooth will need to be extracted. Undergoing root canal treatment can help save the original tooth so that it does not need to be removed.

However, some people may prefer to have the tooth extracted. They may also have the option of replacing the tooth with an implant. It is best to speak with a dentist to discuss the most suitable treatment option for them.

What are the steps?

Root canal therapy requires one or two sessions, which can last from 90 minutes to several hours.

The length of the session can vary depending on the complexity of the infection. Simpler infections may take less time. A person can ask their dentist how long they expect the session to last.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the root canal

The dentist administers a local anesthetic. Once numb, a small protective sheet called a dental dam is placed over the area to help keep the tooth clean during the procedure.

They will then make a small access hole on the surface of the tooth and remove the diseased and dead pulp tissue with very small tools.

2. Filling the root canal

Next, the dentist cleans, shapes, and decontaminates the hollow area using tiny files and irrigation solutions. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material, and an adhesive cement is used to seal the canals completely.

After root canal therapy, the tooth is dead. The person will no longer feel pain in that tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed, and the infection has been eliminated.

3. Adding a crown or filling

The tooth will now be more fragile than before. A tooth with no pulp must receive its nourishment from the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. This supply is adequate, but in time, the tooth will become more brittle, so a crown or filling offers protection.

Until the crown or filling is complete, a person should not chew or bite on the tooth. Once the crown or filling is done, they can use the tooth as before.

Inserting a filling or crown often takes only one appointment, but if there are curved canals, multi-canals, or large infections, this could require additional appointments.

How painful is it?

People may be concerned that root canal treatment is painful. However, the pain a person experiences typically comes from the infection and not from the treatment itself. A root canal treatment aims to alleviate any pain and is performed under local anesthesia.

After the procedure, a person may experience some tenderness and swelling, but this is temporary and lasts only a few days. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may be enough to relieve it. If needed, prescription drugs, such as codeine, are available.

The dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to treat or prevent infection.

Tips to help you feel more at ease at the dentists

Anxiety surrounding dental procedures is not uncommon. If you are feeling anxious, you can try the following tips:

Speak with the dentist before the procedure to let them know that you are feeling anxious. The dentist can work with you to develop a plan to help you feel as relaxed as possible.
Ask the dentist to vocalize each step they are about to perform. For example, when they are about to administer the anesthesia and when you can expect to feel numbness.
Work with the dentist to come up with a signal that lets the dentist know that you are feeling overwhelmed or need the treatment to pause.
If the dentist says it is safe to do so, wear headphones during the procedure and listen to music. This can help provide a distraction.
Ask for a dental assistant to sit with you during the procedure. They may help to provide comfort or a distraction.

If your anxiety is severe, you can speak with the dentist to discuss the potential option of sedation. The option of general anesthesia can vary depending on the dentist and dental practice.

It is important that you feel safe and confident with your current dentist. If you are not comfortable with your current dentist, please feel empowered to find a new one.

»Find care:Find a dentist in your area today.

Recovering from a root canal

Unless a person has undergone general anesthesia or the dentist advises otherwise, it is safe to drive after the procedure.

Where possible, a person should try to rest for the remainder of the day.

A person will likely have a numb jaw and face for several hours while the anesthetic wears off. Pain and swelling around the tooth can also last for a few days. Once the numbness wears off, a person can:

eat and drink as usual
brush and floss their teeth

However, a person should avoid especially hard or chewy foods.

When to contact a dentist after a root canal

A person should contact a dentist after a root canal if they have any concerns or questions about aftercare.

They should also contact a dentist if they experience the following symptoms:

severe pain
severe swelling
fever

Although some pain and swelling is expected after root canal treatment, severe pain and swelling can indicate an infection.

What does it cost?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, the cost can vary depending on how challenging the tooth is to treat. For example, molars are typically more difficult to treat and may cost more as a result.

Root canal treatment is typically cheaper compared to extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.

Where to find lower cost dental care

A person may be able to find lower cost dental care using the following methods:

Community health centers: These are non-profit healthcare facilities that can provide primary and preventive care.
Medicare: Dental coverage under Medicare is limited, and it does not usually cover standard dental care. However, a person can check their Medicare Advantage plans to see if dental is covered.
Medicaid: This is a joint federal and state health insurance program that helps provide health coverage to certain individuals. A person’s eligibility can differ from state to state; however, most states provide limited emergency dental services for those ages 21 and over. Medicaid will offer full dental services to most people under the age of 21. Those who may qualify for Medicaid include:
- those with a low income
- children
- pregnant people
- older adults
- those with disabilities
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP helps provide low cost coverage to children for families who earn too much to get Medicaid, but are not able to afford private insurance. Depending on the state, CHIP may also cover pregnant individuals. Dental services covered by CHIP can vary from state to state.
Dental schools: Dental schools may have teaching facilities where dental students can perform procedures and gain experience under the supervision of an experienced, licensed dentist.

A person can also check their local and state health departments to find out about financial assistance programs.

Summary

Root canal treatment aims to remove an infection from inside the tooth. Depending on the level of infection and the amount of treatment required, the procedure may take place over several sessions, ranging from 90 minutes to several hours.

During the procedure, a dentist will clean the tooth and remove the dead pulp. They will then fill the tooth with a rubber-like material and insert a crown or filling.

It is not uncommon to be nervous about a dental procedure. If a person is experiencing anxiety, they can speak with the dentist to come up with a plan to help them feel as relaxed as possible.

Dentistry
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Overview: Root canal treatment. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/root-canal-treatment/
How it is performed: Root canal treatment. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/root-canal-treatment/what-happens/
Root canal explained. (n.d.). https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
Where can I find low-cost dental care? (2023).https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/where-can-i-find-low-cost-dental-care/index.html

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Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Yvette Brazier and Bethany Grayland-Leech — Updated on August 1, 2025

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