Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, disinfects the canals, and seals them. It saves a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.

When Is It Needed?

When deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work has reached the nerve. Signs include severe or lingering pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness to biting, gum swelling, or a darkening tooth.

The Procedure

One to two visits, each 60 to 90 minutes. Your dentist numbs the area, isolates the tooth with a rubber dam, makes a small access opening, removes infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, fills them with biocompatible material, and seals the opening.

Is It Painful?

No. Modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The pain you may feel beforehand is the infection itself, and the root canal is what eliminates it.

What Comes After

A crown is usually placed within a few weeks to protect the now-brittle tooth from fracture and restore full chewing function. With a crown and good hygiene, a root-canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Success Rate

Root canal treatment has an 85 to 97 percent long-term success rate. When followed by a properly fitted crown and routine cleanings, the treated tooth performs like any other healthy tooth.