Root canal procedure

Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity that won’t go away? A root canal procedure might be the solution you need. We’ll guide you through what to expect, how long it might take and even explore other dental solutions.

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A cross-sectional diagram of a healthy tooth, showcasing the the tooth anatomy with each part labeled starting with the crown the enamel, dentin. The internal and external tooth root system link pulp chamber, root canal, bone, gum, nerves and blood tissue, against a blue background with the label "Healthy tooth" in the top left corner.

Breaking down the root canal process

Learn about what you can expect before, during and after a root canal procedure.

Learn more about root canals

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How long is a root canal procedure?

A root canal procedure typically lasts between 60 minutes to 2 hours. However, the duration of root canal treatment may and does vary depending on the complexity of your case, such as the specific tooth involved and the severity of the infection. Some situations may require more than one visit to the dentist or endodontist.

24 hours before the root canal procedure

Preparing for your root canal procedure can help ease any dental anxiety and ensure everything goes smoothly.

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Have soft foods ready

Because your tooth may be sensitive after the procedure, having soft foods prepped and ready to go when you get home from your root canal procedure will give you a load off your back. You’ll be able to relax and focus on healing.

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Eat a healthy meal

A root canal procedure may take anywhere from 1-2 hours, so making sure you’ve eaten before will help ensure you’ll be comfortable and not starving after the treatment. Typically, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 30 minutes after the procedure to begin eating again.

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Avoid alcohol and tobacco

Avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days prior to your procedure. Make sure to drink plenty of water before as well to remain hydrated during the procedure.

Preparing for root canal procedure

Understanding what happens before the procedure can help you feel more at ease. Here’s what you can expect:

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Initial examination

Your dentist will likely take X-rays to assess the extent of the tooth decay, tooth infection, tooth abscess and gum health.

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Local anesthesia application

Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area to minimize the pain.

A dental procedure in progress, showing a dentist's gloved hands working on a patient's teeth with dental tools.

Dental dam placement

A dental dam is placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it dry.

During the root canal procedure

Here's what you can expect during the root canal treatment:

STEP 1

An opening is created in the tooth

A precise opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. This exposes the dentin, nerves, blood vessels and bone.

STEP 2

Infection is removed & canals are cleaned

The endodontist goes in with specialized tools that are used to remove the infected tissue. The canals are meticulously cleaned to ensure all infection is eliminated.

STEP 3

Canals are filled

The cleaned canals are filled with a durable material known as gutta-percha. A plugger helps ensure the material is compact and securely in place.

STEP 4

Tooth is sealed

The access opening is sealed with a filling material. In some cases, a post is added to the canal to provide additional structural support.

STEP 5

Crown is placed

A dental crown is placed and cemented onto the rebuilt tooth, restoring its functionality and appearance. Although this is part of the root canal procedure, this step happens after the tooth has healed and you go in for a follow-up appointment with your endodontist or dentist.

What does a root canal look like?

Discover what the root canal process looks like with each step broken down.

After the root canal procedure

Understanding what happens before the procedure can help you feel more at ease.

Pain management

You may experience some pain and swelling after treatment, so ask your doctor for specific post-operative instructions based on your unique needs. Over-the-counter pain medication could also help in pain management after a root canal.

Follow-up appointment

You may need to a follow-up appointment with your endodontist to ensure your tooth is healing properly. In some cases, a permanent solution like a crown will be needed.

Dental restoration

After your tooth heals, you may need a crown placed over the tooth as a permanent sealing to restore your tooth completely. Talk with your dentist to find a customized solution that works for you.

Endodontist instructions

Your endodontist will typically instruct you to take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or tylenol, whichever you usually take for a headache, for managing the pain. If stronger medication is need, they may prescribe something for you.

They may also give you specific instructions to on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid.

Foods to eat after a root canal

The key is to stick to soft, easily chewable foods for the first few days after the procedure to avoid fracturing the tooth from pressure. Remember to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been healed.

Soft foods like applesauce, bananas, peaches, mangoes, eggs, avocado, mashed potatoes, hummus, soft pastas or oatmeal

Six food items: coffee, nuts, popcorn, hard candies, steak, and a bottle of alcohol—each crossed with a diagonal line to signify foods to avoid after root canal.

Foods to avoid after a root canal

Avoid sticky foods like gum, caramels and candy which can dislodge the temporary filling. Chewy foods like steak or crusty bread should also be avoided. Hard foods like nuts and crunchy foods like pretzels and chips.

You should avoid these types of foods until your permanent restoration (crown/filling) is placed, as they can cause pain, damage the temporary filling or irritate the area or cause a tooth fracture.

Complications and risk factors

While root canal procedures are generally safe, a few rare complications can arise.

Infections

Potential for persistent or recurring infection
Risk of infection spreading to other teeth or causing jawbone damage

Structural issues

Canal blockages or perforations
Unnoticed cracks in the root
Risk of tooth or root fractures

Additional treatment risks

Rare need for additional treatment due to complications
Possible tooth loss if crown placement is delayed due to the tooth being weak post-treatment, requiring a strong and permanent seal like a crown

When a root canal fails

In the event that a root canal procedure fails, an endodontic retreatment or apicoectomy may be prescribed. They are not the same procedures, although they both involve treatment of the root canal system. We’ll explore what they are.

Illustration of a tooth showing an hollow opening in the tooth crown with a light grey background.

Endodontic retreatment

This procedure involves reopening a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment. It's performed when the initial root canal treatment has not completely healed or when the tooth becomes infected again. During retreatment, the filling material is removed, the canal is cleaned, and new filling material is placed.

Illustration of a tooth cross-section showing a root canal procedure, with a dental instrument cleaning the inside of the tooth.

Apicoectomy

Also known as root-end resection, apicoectomy is a surgical procedure performed when conventional root canal treatment fails to resolve a tooth infection. It involves removing the infected tissue at the tip of the tooth's root (apex) and sometimes a small portion of the root itself. This is often done when retreatment is not possible or has not been successful.

Root canal procedure FAQs

How long does a root canal take?

A root canal procedure typically takes between 90 minutes to two hours. The exact duration depends on factors such as the extent of the infection and the complexity of the tooth's root structure.

Do root canals hurt?

Modern root canal procedures are generally comfortable due to the use of local anesthesia. Some discomfort may be experienced after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What is a root filling?

A root filling is a material used to fill and seal the space inside a tooth after the infected or inflamed pulp has been removed during a root canal procedure. This helps to prevent any further infection.

What causes root canal?

Root canals are needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can be caused by deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma to a tooth may also cause pulp damage even if there's no visible chip or crack.

How do you know if you need a root canal?

Signs that you may need a root canal include severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

How long does a root canal take to heal?

Recovery from a root canal procedure is usually quick, with most patients resuming their normal activities the next day. Full healing of the tooth may take a few days to a week, during which time any mild discomfort can be managed with pain relievers.

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth. They have additional training and expertise in performing root canal treatments and other procedures involving the interior of the tooth.

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of specialty dentistry that deals with the study and treatment of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. Common procedures in this field include root canal treatments, endodontic surgery and addressing traumatic dental injuries.