Root Canal Therapy: What To Expect

If your dentist has mentioned a root canal, you probably have questions. Here are plain answers to the questions people search for most: what a root canal is, what happens during one, what recovery is like, and what affects the cost. For more on how we approach treatment, see our root canal treatment page.

What is a root canal?

A root canal, also called root canal treatment, root canal therapy, endodontic treatment or RCT, is a procedure that removes the inflamed or infected pulp inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects, fills and seals the inside of the tooth. The goal is to relieve pain and keep your natural tooth instead of removing it.

The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that holds nerves and blood vessels. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) explains that a fully developed tooth can survive without its pulp because the tissue around the tooth keeps nourishing it, and that millions of teeth are treated this way each year. (People say they are “getting a root canal,” but the root canal is the space inside the tooth’s root. The treatment is what happens there.)

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Only an exam and X-rays can tell you for sure. These are common signs that the pulp inside a tooth may be inflamed or infected:

Severe tooth pain when chewing or biting
Pimples on the gums
A chipped or cracked tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the hot or cold item is gone
Swollen or tender gums
Deep decay or darkening of the gums

Many of these can also point to a cavity, gum disease or a cracked tooth, so the cause is not always the pulp. If you notice any of them, call the office closest to you to ask about an exam. The ADA’s MouthHealthy guide notes that if infected pulp is left untreated, an abscess can form and bacteria can damage the bone that holds the tooth in place. Our guide to managing a tooth abscess explains more.

What happens during a root canal?

Most root canals take one or two visits. Here is the usual order of steps, based on the ADA’s description of the procedure:

Your dentist takes X-rays to see the tooth and the bone around it.
The tooth and the area around it are numbed.
A thin sheet of rubber is placed over the tooth to keep it clean and dry.
Your dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth and removes the pulp from inside it.
The inside of the tooth and each root canal are cleaned and disinfected.
The canals are filled and sealed, and a temporary filling protects the tooth until a crown or permanent filling is placed.

Depending on the tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in the tissue inside the tooth.

Does a root canal hurt?

Your dentist numbs the tooth and the area around it first. The American Association of Endodontists says a root canal is not more painful than other common dental procedures, such as getting a filling. Afterward, the tooth can feel sore or sensitive for a few days.

If dental visits make you nervous, tell us. Our page on dental visit anxiety explains how we can help you feel more comfortable.

What is recovery like after a root canal?

Expect your lips, teeth and tongue to stay numb for a few hours, and some soreness or sensitivity afterward. Our post-operative instructions say some discomfort, especially when chewing, is normal for up to a month after an appointment. Here is what we tell patients:

Do not chew until the numbness has completely worn off.
Until the tooth is restored, avoid sticky foods such as gum and caramels and hard foods, and if you can, chew on the other side of your mouth.
Keep brushing and flossing normally.
If you were given antibiotics, take them as prescribed, even after your symptoms are gone.
To ease soreness and swelling, rinse with warm salt water three times a day (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).

Call the office where you had your procedure if your bite feels uneven, if you have swelling or pain that does not go away, if a temporary crown comes off, or if the whole temporary filling falls out. Have questions about food, drinks or medicine? Ask your dentist. They know your tooth.

Why do I need a crown after a root canal?

A crown or filling is usually the last step. It covers and protects the tooth so it is less likely to break in the future. Until then, the tooth is protected by a temporary filling or crown, which is why we ask you to go easy on it. You can read more about dental crowns.

How much does a root canal cost?

The cost depends on which tooth is treated, how complex the problem is, and your insurance coverage. Molars are harder to treat than front teeth, so the fee is usually higher. The crown or filling placed afterward is a separate step with its own cost.

The AAE says that treating and restoring your natural tooth is generally less expensive than removing it and replacing it with an implant or bridge. If you are weighing your options, our post on bridges and implants lists good questions to ask. To get an estimate for your tooth, call the office closest to you. You can also check your benefits with our insurance checker or look at our financing options.

Where can I get a root canal in the Omaha area?

Today’s Dental has six offices: Millard, Tranquility Park, Elkhorn, Aksarben, Bellevue and Fremont. Call the office closest to you to ask about your tooth, or find your nearest office. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Still have questions about root canals?

What does RCT mean in dentistry?

RCT stands for root canal treatment (also called root canal therapy or endodontic treatment). It is the procedure that removes the inflamed or infected pulp inside a tooth, then cleans, fills and seals the tooth.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals take one or two visits, and some take more. It depends on the tooth and the condition of the pulp inside it. Your dentist can tell you what to expect for your tooth.

Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth?

Your dentist can help you compare the two for your tooth. The American Association of Endodontists says keeping your natural tooth helps you keep normal biting force and a natural look, and that a pulled tooth usually has to be replaced with an implant or bridge. The right choice depends on your tooth and your situation, so ask your dentist.

Can a tooth that had a root canal need more treatment?

Sometimes. The American Association of Endodontists says a treated tooth can heal improperly or develop a new problem, such as new decay, a loose or cracked crown or filling, or a fracture. If a treated tooth hurts or something feels different, see your dentist for an evaluation. Retreatment may be an option.

Will my insurance cover a root canal?

Coverage depends on your plan and on the tooth being treated. You can check your benefits with our insurance checker, or call the office closest to you and ask.

Root Canal Treatment: Your Questions, Answered