What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed — despite its reputation, most patients describe the procedure itself as no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, thanks to modern anesthesia and technique.

When it's needed

The nerve and soft tissue inside a tooth, called the pulp, can become infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma. Left untreated, this infection spreads, leading to an abscess, bone loss around the root, and eventually loss of the tooth entirely.

Signs you might need one

• Pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth

• A tooth that's noticeably darkened compared to its neighbors

• Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth

• Sometimes, no symptoms at all — caught only on a routine X-ray

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't fade quickly

What the procedure involves

• The infected or inflamed tissue is carefully removed from inside the tooth's canals

• The space is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped

• The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection

• A crown is typically placed afterward to protect the now-weakened tooth structure long-term

Recovery

Most patients return to normal activity the same day, with only local numbness lingering for a few hours. Mild soreness for two to three days is common and generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, tapering off well before the end of the first week.

The treated tooth may feel slightly different from the others at first, but with a properly fitted crown, it should look, feel, and function normally for many years — often indefinitely with good oral hygiene.