Root canal treatment clears infection from inside a tooth
The tooth is then cleaned and filled to help prevent reinfection
It's usually recommended for tooth pain caused by an infected tooth
Without treatment, an infected tooth may need to be removed
It's available from NHS and private dentists, or a specialist called an endodontist
About Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment clears infection from inside a tooth, then cleans and fills it to help stop the infection coming back. It's usually recommended for tooth pain caused by an infected tooth. The soft tissue inside a tooth, called the pulp, can become infected as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, a chip, break, or crack in the tooth, or a dental abscess (a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums). Without root canal treatment, an infected tooth may eventually need to be removed altogether.
Getting Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is available from NHS or private dentists, and sometimes from a specialist known as an endodontist. Most people need to pay for NHS dental treatment, and root canal treatment falls under band 2 of the NHS dental charging system. Some people are entitled to free NHS dental treatment or help with costs, depending on their circumstances.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Root Canal · Procedure
How Root Canal Treatment is Done
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
The Procedure
You'll usually be given a local anaesthetic first, so you'll be awake but shouldn't feel any pain. The main steps involve the dentist drilling a small opening into the tooth, removing the infected pulp (and draining any abscess present), cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth ready for filling, then filling and sealing the tooth to protect it.
Treatment usually takes two or more appointments, each lasting 1 to 2 hours or sometimes longer. You may have a temporary filling in place between appointments before the permanent one is fitted, and if the tooth was badly infected, a crown — a cap that fully covers the tooth — may also be needed afterwards for extra protection.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Root Canal · Recovery
Recovering from Root Canal Treatment
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What to Expect
Your jaw and face may feel numb for several hours afterwards while the anaesthetic wears off, and the area around the treated tooth may feel swollen or sore for a couple of weeks as it settles. Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with any discomfort, and it's worth being careful not to knock or bump your mouth while it heals.
Helping the Tooth Stay Healthy
Going to any follow-up appointments your dentist arranges, keeping up good day-to-day care of your teeth and gums, and attending regular dental check-ups all help support your recovery and keep the treated tooth — and the rest of your mouth — healthy going forward.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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