What is a root canal?

The root of a tooth has a bundle of soft tissue and nerve endings known as a dental pulp. If tooth decay penetrates this far, then the dental pulp becomes infected, which can cause severe toothache or even a tooth abscess.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

There are several reasons why a tooth can become infected. Some of these include deep decay due to gum disease or cavities, cracked crowns or fillings, teeth grinding and damage as a result of trauma. Whatever the reason is, getting treatment for root canal infection will prevent the need for tooth extraction, and you’re more likely to avoid costly treatments in the future.

What does the root canal procedure involve?

Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic and is usually a straightforward procedure like getting a filling. Once a tooth is numbed, the root canal specialist will use a series of tiny instruments to open up the tooth and remove the infected pulp. The remaining space is cleaned and shaped, ready for a root canal filling which is a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. A temporary filling for your teeth is usually placed on top. The permanent restoration will be carried out at a different appointment.

Will I need to take time off work for a root canal?

Once the anaesthetic has worn off, you can carry on as normal. The full healing period will take around one week, but in this time, you can still go to work and carry out daily activities. In this time, you should be careful about what you eat, how you chew your food and continue to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.

Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Root Canal Treatment

Restorative Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Relieve pain, remove infection and preserve your smile with fast, effective root canal treatment.

Find your local practice

Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 5th August 2026

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes an infection from inside a tooth, cleans it and seals it back up.[1],[2],[3] Your dentist may recommend it if an infection has run too deep for a simple filling to repair. If you’re in pain, root canal treatment can bring welcome relief and often prevent the need for extraction.

Benefits of root canal treatment

For many people, root canal treatment is a preferable alternative to having a tooth removed. Here are some of the benefits worth considering::[1],[4],[5]

Saves your natural tooth

Root canal treatment can preserve a tooth, which might otherwise need to be removed. If a tooth is extracted and the gap isn’t filled, neighbouring teeth can shift into the gap, causing further problems.

Relieves pain

Root canal treatment should stop pain, throbbing and sensitivity. With effective treatment, your tooth will feel normal and healthy.

Prevents infection spread

An infected tooth can spread bacteria to the jawbone, or even the bloodstream. Root canal treatment removes the infection at its source.

Restores function

Once your root canal procedure is complete and your tooth is capped with a crown or filling, it should function just as it did before, without discomfort.

Cost-effective

Root canal treatment can work out to be less expensive than the combined cost of an extraction, bridge, or dental implant.

Minimal discomfort

Modern techniques and local anaesthetics have made root canal treatment far more comfortable and recovery much quicker than most people expect.

How does root canal treatment work?

Root canal treatment works by removing inflamed, infected, or dead material from within your tooth, before cleaning, filling and sealing the space left behind.[1],[3] Treatment typically consists of a cleaning stage, where the infection is removed, and a repairing stage, where the tooth is protected and restored.[4]

Root canal treatment process[5]

X-ray

Your dentist will want to X-ray the area to pinpoint the infection and assess the condition of your tooth and its root structure.

Anaesthetic

Before treatment begins, you’ll have a local anaesthetic to numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Accessing the infection

To reach the infected area, your dentist will drill a small hole in the top of your tooth to expose the root canal. Thanks to the anaesthetic, you might feel some pressure, but not pain.

Cleaning and flushing

The infection is removed, and the space inside the root canal is carefully cleaned and flushed with disinfectant to remove any remaining bacteria.

Filling and sealing

Once the tooth is clean, the hollow root canals are filled with a special material and sealed with a dental adhesive. This is a temporary seal, not the final filling. You may feel some soreness for a few days, but this should respond well to over-the-counter medication.

Restoration

When your tooth has healed, your dentist will usually recommend a crown to restore it in the long-term. After a digital scan or impression, your individual crown will be made in a lab and fitted to your tooth.

Find a treatment near you

We'll show you the 3 closest practices to your location

Is root canal treatment right for me?

There are several signs that you may need root canal treatment. If you experience these symptoms, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Persistent toothache. A deep or throbbing pain that keeps returning or never fully goes away
Pain when biting. Pain that radiates when you bite, chew or press on a tooth
Swollen/tender gums. Inflammation or tenderness around a tooth
Temperature sensitivity. Sharp pain from hot or cold food or drink that lingers long after you’ve finished eating
Other tooth issues. Discolouration, a tooth turning dark, grey or black or a tooth that feels loose

If you are otherwise dentally fit and want to save your tooth, root canal treatment could be the answer. It relieves pain, preserves your tooth and helps restore your smile.

Root canal treatment aftercare

Good aftercare matters just as much as the root canal treatment itself. Following the right advice protects your tooth, minimises discomfort and helps build lasting hygiene habits.

After your treatment, it’s important to be careful with the tooth before returning to your usual diet.

Avoid eating until the numbness from your anaesthetic has eased. If your mouth is still numb, you could accidentally bite your tongue or cheek without realising.

Some tenderness in the days after treatment is normal. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication to help.[1]

Your tooth may not be ready to use straight away, so stick to soft foods like yoghurt or soup and try to avoid chewing on the treated side.

It might seem like a good idea to use a straw, but the suction created can dislodge the temporary seal on your root canal.

After your root canal treatment, you may need to adjust your oral hygiene routine while you’re healing. Brush and floss gently, particularly on the treated side, and avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, as this can put pressure on the tooth.

Some soreness is normal after treatment, but you should contact your dentist if the discomfort persists for more than a few days or if you have any other concerns about your tooth.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

Root canal treatment costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, and whether you’re being seen privately or on the NHS. You can contact your local practice for more details.

FAQs

Explore answers to the most common questions about root canal treatment.

No. Your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb your tooth and the surrounding area, so you might feel some pressure during treatment, but not pain. It’s usual to feel a little tender afterwards but you’ll be given all the advice you need to manage your recovery.

Every root canal needs the protection of restorative work when completed. Your dentist will recommend the option that suits your tooth best, but a crown offers the greatest and longest-lasting protection, especially for molars, which do all the hard work of chewing your food.

Good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid needing root canal treatment. Identifying cavities early, addressing tooth grinding, and brushing and flossing regularly all help stop decay from causing a deeper-lying infection.

Typically between 60 and 90 minutes, and you may need more than one visit. The duration depends on the tooth being treated – molars have more canals than front teeth and can take longer. A severely infected or complex tooth may more appointments.

In rare cases, root canal treatment may ultimately prove unsuccessful. If the infection runs deeper than X-rays show or the tooth becomes infected again, your dentist may recommend repeat treatment or a dental extraction.

Not the right treatment? Discover more options.

Implants

Restore your smile and your confidence with the closest replacement for a missing tooth.

Find out more

Dental Extraction

If you’re having a dental extraction soon, you may be wondering how the procedure works.

Find out more

Dental Bridges

With modern restorations, it can be possible to repair cracks, deep tooth decay and fractures predictably.

Find out more

View all Treatments

Footnotes

Not the right treatment you’re looking for?

Go Back To All Treatments