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Preventive and restorative care

Root canal treatment

Treatment that aims to keep a tooth in the mouth by cleaning and filling inflamed or damaged tissue inside it. On this page we explain why it may be needed, how it proceeds and what to keep in mind afterwards.

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Kesit hâlinde diş modeli: sinir odası ve kök kanalları (temsilî görsel)
On this page
  1. In brief
  2. What is Root canal treatment?
  3. Who may it suit?
  4. Step-by-step process
  5. Aftercare
  6. Possible risks and precautions
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Dentists who provide this treatment
  9. Related treatments and articles

In brief

Sessions
Usually 1–3
Session length
Usually 45–90 minutes
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
Back to daily routine
Mostly the same day

Durations are general information and vary from person to person. Your own timeline is written in your treatment plan after the examination.

What is Root canal treatment?

In the centre of the tooth there is soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels, called the pulp. Deep decay, a fracture or a blow can cause the pulp to become inflamed or to die. This may cause throbbing pain, long-lasting sensitivity to hot and cold, pain when chewing or swelling of the gum; sometimes it is found on an X-ray without any symptoms.

In root canal treatment, the inflamed tissue inside the tooth is removed, the root canals are shaped and disinfected, and then sealed with a filling. The aim is to keep the tooth instead of extracting it.

A tooth that has had root canal treatment may become more brittle over time. That is why the tooth is protected afterwards with a filling or a crown; which one is needed depends on how much healthy tooth remains.

Who may it suit?

Usually considered

  • Teeth whose nerve is affected by deep decay
  • Teeth with long-lasting pain after hot or cold
  • Teeth with inflammation at the root tip
  • Teeth whose nerve has been damaged by a fracture or a blow
  • Teeth that will receive a crown and whose nerve is not expected to survive

Further assessment may be needed

  • Teeth that have had root canal treatment before and are causing problems again
  • Teeth with very curved roots or narrowed canals
  • Teeth with a suspected crack or fracture in the root
  • Teeth with very little healthy structure left
  • Pregnancy (X-rays and medicines are planned accordingly)

Root canal treatment may not be possible for every tooth. After the examination and X-ray, you will be told whether the tooth can be saved and, if not, what the other options are.

Step-by-step process

  1. Examination and X-ray

    The condition of the tooth, the number of roots and any inflammation at the root tip are assessed with an X-ray. If needed, 3D imaging is requested.

  2. Numbing and isolation

    The tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia. The working area is isolated with a thin rubber sheet to keep saliva away.

  3. Cleaning the canals

    The inside of the tooth is accessed and the inflamed tissue is removed; the canals are shaped with fine instruments and rinsed with disinfecting solutions.

  4. Interim session (if needed)

    If the inflammation is extensive, a temporary medicine is placed in the canals and the tooth is closed with a temporary filling; treatment continues at the next session.

  5. Filling the canals

    The cleaned canals are sealed with a special filling material and a check X-ray is taken.

  6. Final restoration

    The tooth is then sealed with a permanent filling or a crown. If a crown is needed, its impression is taken at a separate session.

  7. Follow-up

    Healing is monitored with check-ups and X-rays at set intervals.

Aftercare

The first days

  • Do not eat until the numbness wears off.
  • For a few days after treatment the tooth may feel slightly sensitive or uncomfortable when you bite; this usually eases on its own. You can take the painkiller your dentist recommends.
  • If the tooth has a temporary filling, avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the permanent filling or crown is placed.
  • If the temporary filling falls out or breaks, call us during opening hours.

In the long term

A tooth that has had root canal treatment can still decay like any other tooth. Regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and check-ups matter. If a crown was recommended, having it done on time reduces the risk of the tooth breaking.

Possible risks and precautions

Root canal treatment also has possible risks. These are explained to you based on the condition of your tooth at the examination.

  • Sensitivity, mild pain or swelling may occur in the days after treatment.
  • Rarely, a fine instrument may break inside a canal or the root may be perforated; in that case further treatment may be needed.
  • If the canals are very curved or narrowed, it may not be possible to reach them fully.
  • The inflammation may not clear completely; repeat root canal treatment or root-tip surgery may be needed.
  • If the tooth has an undetected crack, it may be lost in the future.
  • A tooth that is not protected with a filling or crown may break over time.

If you have increasing pain, swelling or a fever, call us during opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel pain during root canal treatment?

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia; usually nothing other than pressure is felt in the numbed tooth. When the inflammation is very intense, the anaesthetic may take longer to work; your dentist adds more if needed.

How many sessions does root canal treatment take?

It depends on the condition of the tooth and the number of roots; it is usually completed in 1–3 sessions. The exact plan is set after the examination and X-ray.

Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?

Not always. A crown may be recommended if little healthy tooth remains or if it is a back tooth that takes chewing forces. The decision is made together with your dentist based on the condition of the tooth.

Wouldn’t it be easier to extract the tooth?

Extraction is also an option; however, if the gap is left empty, the neighbouring teeth may shift and chewing may be affected. The gap may need to be filled with an implant or a bridge. The pros and cons of each option are explained at the examination.

Dentists who provide this treatment

Related treatments and articles

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