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.
Breaking down the root canal process
Learn about what you can expect before, during and after a root canal procedure.
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.
Preparing for root canal procedure
Understanding what happens before the procedure can help you feel more at ease. Here’s what you can expect:
During the root canal procedure
Here's what you can expect during the root canal treatment:
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.
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
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.
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.
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