Restorative & Repair
Root Canal
Also called: root canal treatment, endodontic treatment
A root canal cleans out the infected or inflamed soft tissue (the pulp) from inside a tooth, then seals it. It relieves pain and saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled. Despite the reputation, modern root canals feel similar to getting a filling.
What to expect
- The tooth is numbed, the inner pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and sealed.
- A crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth.
- Most discomfort is mild and settles within a few days.
Questions to ask a practice
- Will you do the root canal, or refer me to an endodontist?
- Will I need a crown afterward, and is that included in the estimate?
- What are my options if I would rather not keep the tooth?
Take the next step
Match with a practice that does this
Tell Dee what you need and what matters to you. She matches you with practices using Vibe Analysis: thirteen dimensions predicted from verified signals, never guesswork.
Find your match →Related services
Related specialists
Related terms
Cavity (Tooth Decay)
A damaged area of a tooth caused by decay, usually repaired with a filling.
Dental Filling
A material used to repair a tooth after decay is removed, restoring its shape and function.
Dental Crown
A custom cap that covers a damaged or weak tooth to restore its strength and shape.
Dental Bridge
A fixed replacement that fills the gap of one or more missing teeth using the neighboring teeth for support.