On this page · 6 sections
01Why it matters
Deep inside every tooth is the pulp, a soft core of nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Once that happens, the pulp usually cannot heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the bone at the tip of the root and form an abscess, a pocket of pus that can cause swelling and pain.
A root canal removes the source of the infection while keeping your natural tooth. Keeping the tooth helps you chew normally and prevents nearby teeth from shifting into a gap. The main alternative is removing the tooth.
Text version of this infographic
Step 1: the tooth is numbed and a small opening is made. Step 2: the infected or inflamed pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. Step 3: the canals are filled and sealed. Step 4: many treated teeth then get a crown.
02Signs and causes
Common signs that a tooth may need a root canal include:
- Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone.
- Pain when biting or pressing on the tooth.
- A tooth that has darkened in color.
- A swollen, tender gum or a small pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth.
Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all and are found on X-rays. Only the dentist can confirm that a root canal is needed, after an exam and testing.
Get urgent care: if you have a toothache with fever, swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
03What happens
The tooth is numbed first, so for most people the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. The dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the roots, and fills them with a rubber-like material. A temporary or permanent filling then seals the opening.
Back teeth often need a dental crown afterward to protect them from cracking. For some complex cases, we may refer you to a dentist with advanced training in root canal treatment.
04Cost factors
What a root canal costs depends on:
- Which tooth is treated, since molars have more canals than front teeth.
- Whether the tooth needs a buildup or crown afterward.
- Your dental insurance plan and its coverage for this treatment. Call the office to check your plan.
- The option to use CareCredit, which the office accepts.
05How to care for it
Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until its final restoration is in place, and keep the follow-up appointment for the crown if one is recommended. After that, care for it like any other tooth: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and keep regular checkups. Preventing deep cavities is the most reliable way to avoid needing a root canal in the first place.
Think you may need one? See our root canal treatment page.
06Questions people ask
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed during treatment, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. The infection itself is often what hurts, and treatment usually relieves it. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and can usually be managed as the dentist advises.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually preferred when it can be saved, because a missing tooth can let other teeth shift and may need to be replaced later. Some teeth cannot be saved. The dentist will explain both options after an exam.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially for back teeth. A treated tooth can become more brittle, and a crown helps protect it from cracking. Front teeth sometimes need only a filling. The dentist will recommend what suits your tooth.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]