Originally published March 13, 2019. Updated September 5, 2026.
Few dental procedures have a worse reputation than the root canal, and most of that reputation is undeserved. A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth so the tooth can be saved rather than pulled. The pain people fear comes from the infection that makes the treatment necessary, not from the treatment itself. The American Association of Endodontists reports that patients who have a root canal are six times more likely to describe the experience as painless than patients who have a tooth extracted. This guide explains what a root canal is, why you might need one, what happens during treatment, and which common myths are simply not true.
What is a root canal?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), root canals are used to repair and save a tooth instead of removing it. The procedure removes the infected pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, and then cleans, disinfects, and seals the inside of the tooth to prevent future infection. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown.
Why might you need a root canal?
The ADA explains that the pulp can become infected from a deep cavity, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth, or an injury. Untreated, the infection can cause pain and swelling, and bacteria can damage the bone that holds the tooth in your jaw. Common warning signs include a lingering toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade, swelling, and tenderness when you chew. If you have any of these, see our guides to tooth sensitivity and dental emergencies.
What happens during a root canal?
The ADA and Cleveland Clinic outline the same basic steps:
- Your dentist examines the tooth, often with X-rays, and numbs the area.
- A rubber dam isolates the tooth to keep it clean and dry.
- A small opening is made in the crown to reach the pulp.
- The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and treated with antimicrobial medicine.
- The canals are filled with a rubber-like material and sealed, and a temporary filling is placed.
- At a follow-up visit, the tooth is restored with a permanent filling or a crown to protect it.
Cleveland Clinic says most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and some need more than one visit. Most people recover in less than a week. We use modern tools, including rotary endodontics, to make treatment efficient and comfortable. Read more about our root canal treatment.
What are the common root canal myths?
Myth: Root canals are painful
Modern anesthesia makes the procedure comparable to having a filling, and the ADA says there is little to no pain. Some mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. If you feel anxious, ask us about sedation dentistry and see our tips for dental anxiety.
Myth: Root canals make you sick
This claim has circulated for decades, but the AAE is clear: there is no credible evidence linking properly performed root canal treatment to systemic diseases.
Myth: Pulling the tooth is better
Extraction can seem simpler, but the AAE says that when possible, saving your natural tooth is best, because it helps preserve chewing function and surrounding bone and prevents nearby teeth from shifting. Missing teeth also need to be replaced, for example with a dental implant, which adds cost and time. Some teeth cannot be saved, such as those with severe damage, extensive decay, fractures below the gumline, or insufficient bone support, and your dentist will say so.
What is recovery like, and how do you care for the tooth?
Expect mild tenderness for a few days. Cleveland Clinic advises calling your provider if you have severe or throbbing pain after treatment, since that can mean infected tissue remains. Once the permanent crown or filling is in place, care for the tooth as you would any other: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep regular checkups. The ADA and AAE say that with proper care a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Frequently asked questions about root canals
Is a root canal painful?
Not with modern anesthesia. The American Dental Association says there is little to no pain during a root canal because your dentist uses local anesthesia, and some mild sensitivity can follow for a few days. The American Association of Endodontists notes that the pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection, not the procedure.
Do root canals cause illness?
No. The American Association of Endodontists states there is no credible evidence linking properly performed root canal treatment to systemic disease. Treating an infected tooth reduces bacteria rather than adding to them.
How long does a root canal take?
Most take about 60 to 90 minutes, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some need more than one visit, and you will have a follow-up to place a permanent filling or crown.
How long does a root canal last?
With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime, according to the American Dental Association. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are what protect it.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is best. The American Association of Endodontists says keeping the natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing, preserves surrounding bone, and prevents nearby teeth from shifting. Some teeth cannot be saved, and your dentist will tell you if that is the case.
Toothache or sensitivity that will not go away?
The sooner an infected tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it. Contact us and we will see you as quickly as we can.
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Quick takeaways
- A root canal removes infected pulp so the tooth can be saved.
- With local anesthesia, there is little to no pain. The pain people fear comes from the infection.
- Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and recovery is usually under a week.
- There is no credible evidence linking root canals to systemic illness.
- Saving the natural tooth is usually best, and a treated tooth can last a lifetime with care.
- A lingering toothache, swelling, or lasting temperature sensitivity means it is time to call a dentist.
Sources
- American Dental Association. Root Canals. MouthHealthy.org.
- American Association of Endodontists. Root Canal Myths vs. Facts.
- American Association of Endodontists. Saving Your Natural Tooth.
- Cleveland Clinic. Root Canal: Procedure & Recovery.
