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Root Canal Treatment: Does It Hurt, How Long Does It Take, and What to Expect
Worried about a root canal? Learn why you might need one, what happens step by step, how long it takes, and how to care for the tooth afterwards.
Quick answer
Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia and usually feels no worse than a filling. It takes one to three visits of about 60 to 90 minutes each. The dentist removes infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and seals it, then restores it, often with a crown. Mild soreness for a few days is normal.
"Root canal" is one of the most feared phrases in dentistry. But modern root canal treatment is routine and comfortable, and it's the main way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled out.
What is a root canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes that pulp, disinfects the canals inside the roots, and seals them.
Signs you might need a root canal
- Severe toothache, especially pain that throbs or wakes you at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the trigger is gone
- Pain when biting or touching the tooth
- A darkening tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum (a sign of an abscess)
- Swelling of the gum or face
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and the problem is found on an X-ray.
Root canal treatment step by step
- Diagnosis: examination and X-ray to confirm the pulp is affected.
- Anaesthesia: the tooth and surrounding area are numbed.
- Access: a small opening is made in the top of the tooth.
- Cleaning: the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped with fine instruments and disinfecting solutions.
- Sealing: the canals are filled with a rubber-like material.
- Restoring: a temporary filling is placed, then a permanent filling or crown.
Does a root canal hurt?
With local anaesthesia, most patients say it feels like having a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the infection before treatment. Treatment relieves it.
After treatment, the tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Over-the-counter painkillers, taken as directed, usually control this well.
How long does it take?
| Situation | Typical visits |
|---|---|
| Front tooth, no major infection | 1 visit |
| Molar (back tooth) | 1–2 visits |
| Severe infection or abscess | 2–3 visits |
Each visit usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Root canal vs extraction: which is better?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always better if it can be saved. A missing tooth can let neighbouring teeth drift, affect your bite and make chewing harder. Replacing it with a bridge or implant is usually more complex and more expensive than a root canal and crown.
Aftercare tips
- Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until the permanent restoration is placed.
- Brush and floss normally.
- Return for your crown or permanent filling as advised. A temporary filling isn't designed to last.
- Call us if you have swelling, severe pain or your bite feels uneven.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually do, because they take strong chewing forces and a root-treated tooth can become brittle. Front teeth may only need a filling.
How long does a root-canal-treated tooth last?
With a good restoration and regular check-ups, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years, often a lifetime.
Can a root canal fail?
Occasionally, infection can return. This is often treatable with a second root canal procedure. Good oral hygiene and a well-fitting crown reduce the risk.
Where can I get root canal treatment in Ajman?
Al Zahra Medical Centre on Sheikh Zayed Street offers root canal treatment with prices explained before you start. Book an appointment or call 06 743 7333.
