What is root canal?

Some signs that may indicate you need a root canal include:

- Severe and persistent tooth pain

- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums

- Discoloration (graying) of the tooth

- Deep decay on a tooth

- The pulp is exposed after trauma to the tooth

- An abscess can be seen on an X-ray

Sometimes, there are no symptoms present.

Most dentists and endodontists choose to use local anesthesia and just numb the area around the tooth. This will typically remove any pain sensation. If you feel like you will need sedation, you should discuss it with the dental office providing the service to see if that is an option.

Before the procedure, your endodontist or dentist will administer local anesthetic (an injection, just like you would receive for a filling) to numb the area and prevent pain. They will then carefully remove the infected pulp inside the tooth, clean, disinfect, shape, and seal the root canal. Usually, this can be completed in one or two appointments, but more difficult cases may require an additional visit(s). After the root canal is completed a temporary filling is usually placed and an appointment is made with your dentist for a final filling or crown to restore the tooth to full function.

Before the procedure, your endodontist or dentist will administer local anesthetic (an injection, just like you would receive for a filling) to numb the area and prevent pain. They will then carefully remove the infected pulp inside the tooth, clean, disinfect, shape, and seal the root canal. Usually, this can be completed in one or two appointments, but more difficult cases may require an additional visit(s). After the root canal is completed a temporary filling is usually placed and an appointment is made with your dentist for a final filling or crown to restore the tooth to full function.

There is a greater understanding of pain management in dentistry today. With modern technology and anesthetics, the vast majority of people who undergo root canal treatment report minimal pain. You may experience tooth sensitivity for the first few days after the procedure, in which case, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help ease your discomfort. If your pain does not subside or becomes severe, it is important to contact your dental provider for further evaluation.

Patients receiving a root canal treatment can expect to undergo one or two appointments that last for about 90 minutes each. However, each case is different and will depend on the location and condition of the tooth, in addition to other factors. In general, front teeth will take less time due to easier access to the tooth and because they have fewer roots.

After receiving dental degrees, a small percentage of dentists go on to receive dental specialty degrees. While both dentists and endodontists can perform root canal treatments, endodontists limit their practice to treatments of the pulp. They do not do routine exams, cleanings, or fillings. Endodontists complete an additional 2 or 3 years of training after dental school and are considered highly trained specialists in pain management and pulpal therapies. Endodontists will typically have the specialized equipment and expertise to accomplish even difficult root canal procedures quickly, efficiently and with minimal discomfort. After completing a root canal treatment at the endodontist, they will typically refer you back to your general dentist to place the final filling or crown on the tooth.

The majority of individual dental insurance plans cover some percentage of root canal treatments. Costs will vary depending on your specific plan, the types of services required, and whether or not your endodontist is in-network. Use our cost estimator to learn more or check out this article about root canal cost.