“You need a root canal.” This is one of the most dreaded sentences a dentist can say. If you’ve just heard it, dozens of questions are probably running through your head. Will it hurt? Will I lose the tooth? How much will it cost?
We understand your concerns. Endodontics has a bad reputation. You may have heard stories from your parents or grandparents about painful procedures that lasted hours. But here’s the good news: modern endodontics is as different from those stories as day and night.
Today, root canal treatment is a routine procedure that most patients compare to having a regular filling. And most importantly — it allows you to save your own tooth.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know. What endodontics is, how it works, whether it hurts, and how much it costs. After reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect — and why there’s nothing to fear.
If you already know you need endodontic treatment, you can book an appointment with our specialists right away. We’ll be happy to help.
What is endodontics and why you don’t need to fear it
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with treating the inside of the tooth — the dental pulp and the root canals. The most common procedure is what we call root canal treatment, in which inflamed or dead tissue is removed from inside the tooth and the canal is filled with a special material. The goal is to save the tooth from extraction and restore its full function.
To understand why endodontics is needed, let’s look at the anatomy of a tooth. Beneath the hard enamel and dentin lies a soft tissue called the pulp — commonly known as the “tooth nerve”. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth and allow it to feel heat, cold or pain.
When infection reaches the pulp — most often as a result of deep tooth decay (dental caries) — inflammation develops. This causes pain and can eventually lead to the death of the tissue. At that point, you have two options: have the tooth extracted, or save it with endodontic treatment.
And here is the key information: the success rate of endodontic treatment is 90–95%. That means 9 out of 10 teeth treated this way function without problems for many years.
When is endodontic treatment needed?
A tooth doesn’t need endodontic treatment without reason. There are usually clear signals that something is wrong. Some are obvious, others less so.
Symptoms suggesting the need for endodontic treatment
1. Severe, throbbing toothache
A typical sign of pulp inflammation is intense pain that gets worse at night or when you lie down. The pain may come in waves and be strong enough to wake you from sleep.
2. Sensitivity to heat and cold
A healthy tooth reacts to hot or cold, but the pain quickly fades. If it lingers for 30 seconds or more after the stimulus is removed, it may signal a problem with the pulp.
3. Pain when biting
A feeling of pressure or sharp pain when biting on a tooth suggests that inflammation is spreading towards the root.
4. Swollen gum
A pocket or swelling on the gum near the root of the tooth (a so-called fistula) is a sign of infection finding its way out.
5. Tooth discolouration
If a tooth turns grey or brown compared to the surrounding teeth, it may mean the pulp has died.
6. Abscess
A pus-filled inflammation at the tip of the root is a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.
Causes of pulp inflammation
Why does the pulp become inflamed? The most common causes are:
- Deep tooth decay — bacteria penetrate the enamel and dentin all the way to the pulp
- Tooth trauma — a crack or impact can damage the pulp even without visible damage
- Repeated procedures — large fillings or crowns can irritate the pulp over time
- A cracked filling — allows bacteria to get inside
Important: Sometimes a tooth may need endodontic treatment even without pain — for example, when inflammation is discovered by chance on an X-ray. That’s another reason why regular check-ups are so important.
How endodontic treatment works step by step
The unknown is more frightening than what we know. So let us describe exactly what to expect during endodontic treatment. The whole procedure usually takes 1–2 visits and lasts 60–90 minutes.
Preparation and diagnosis
1. Examination and X-ray
First, the dentist assesses the condition of the tooth. An X-ray shows the shape of the roots, the extent of the infection, and the state of the surrounding bone. Based on this information, treatment is planned.
2. Consultation
The dentist explains the findings, treatment options, and answers your questions. This is the moment to ask anything you want.
3. Local anaesthesia
The tooth is completely numbed. Modern anaesthetics are highly effective — most patients feel nothing at all.
The treatment itself
4. Tooth isolation (rubber dam)
A rubber sheet is placed over the tooth, isolating it from the rest of the mouth. This ensures a sterile environment.
5. Opening the tooth
The dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the root canals.
6. Removal of affected tissue
Special instruments are used to remove the inflamed or dead pulp from the chamber and the root canals.
7. Shaping the canals
The canals are widened and cleaned using very fine files. This step is crucial — the more thoroughly the canal is cleaned, the higher the success rate of the treatment.
8. Irrigation and disinfection
The canals are repeatedly rinsed with antiseptic solutions that destroy any remaining bacteria.
9. Filling the canals
The prepared canals are filled with a special material — most often gutta-percha. This natural material is biocompatible and seals the canal tightly.
10. Temporary or permanent filling
The tooth is sealed with a filling. Sometimes a temporary material is used, which is later replaced with a permanent one.
After treatment
11. Follow-up X-ray
An X-ray confirms that the canals have been properly filled.
12. Planning the restoration
Most teeth treated this way need a crown — it protects the weakened tooth from cracking.
Does endodontic treatment hurt? The truth about root canal pain
Let’s be honest: fear of pain is the main reason people put off endodontic treatment. And paradoxically, that’s exactly what makes things worse.
Pain during the procedure
Thanks to modern local anaesthesia, the procedure is painless. You’ll feel the small sting when the anaesthetic is applied (similar to a regular filling) — and then nothing. You may feel slight pressure or vibrations, but no pain.
If you have an exceptionally sensitive tooth or strong inflammation, the dentist may add more anaesthetic. You should never feel pain.
Pain after the procedure
Once the anaesthesia wears off, you may feel mild sensitivity or pressure around the tooth. This is a normal tissue reaction to the treatment.
For most patients:
- Mild sensitivity lasts 2–3 days
- Manageable with common painkillers (ibuprofen)
- Completely gone within a week
Severe or persistent pain after endodontic treatment is rare and may signal a complication. In that case, please contact us.
The endodontic paradox
Here’s something important to realise: most patients arrive in significant pain — and leave without it. Endodontic treatment solves pain, it doesn’t cause it.
A large proportion of patients describe the pain of root canal treatment as “much less than they expected”.
After endodontic treatment — care and recovery
The procedure is over. What now?
Immediately after treatment (the first few days)
Wait before eating
Don’t eat until the anaesthesia has worn off (2–3 hours).
Mild pain is normal
Sensitivity to pressure or a dull ache for 2–3 days after the procedure is common. Standard painkillers (ibuprofen 400 mg) will help.
Avoid hard foods
Don’t eat anything hard on the treated side until you have a permanent filling or crown.
Swelling is no reason to panic
Mild swelling may last 1–2 days. A cold compress helps.
Long-term care
Permanent restoration
This is key: a tooth after root canal treatment is more fragile because it has lost the nourishment from the pulp. In most cases, we recommend a crown to protect the tooth from cracking.
Regular oral hygiene
Brush your teeth normally, including the treated tooth. No special care is needed.
Regular check-ups
A check-up after 6 months and then at routine preventive visits.
When to contact the dentist
Contact us immediately if:
- Severe pain doesn’t subside even with painkillers
- Significant swelling that keeps growing
- Fever
- The temporary filling falls out
- An allergic reaction (rash, swelling)
Conclusion
Let’s sum up the most important points:
- Endodontic treatment is a rescue, not a punishment — it allows you to keep your own tooth for many more years
- Modern endodontics is painless — thanks to anaesthesia and advanced techniques, the procedure is comparable to a regular filling
- The success rate is high — 90–95% of teeth treated this way function without problems
We know that “going for a root canal” sounds scary. But modern endodontics is something completely different from what your parents or grandparents may have experienced. Today it is a routine, painless procedure in the hands of experienced specialists.
If you have a problematic tooth, don’t put off finding a solution. The sooner you come, the simpler (and cheaper) the treatment will be.
We specialise in endodontics — including complex cases treated under a microscope.
Call us and book an appointment with our specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does endodontic treatment take?
Treatment of a single tooth usually takes 60–90 minutes. Single-rooted teeth (incisors, canines) are quicker — around 45–60 minutes. Molars with multiple canals can take longer. Most cases can be completed in a single visit; more complex ones require 2 visits.
Can I drive after endodontic treatment?
Yes, as long as you haven’t been sedated. After standard local anaesthesia, you can drive without restrictions. If you’ve been sedated, you’ll need someone to accompany you, and you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.
How long does a tooth last after endodontic treatment?
A properly treated and restored tooth (with a crown) can last a lifetime. The success rate of endodontic treatment is 90–95%. The key is to complete the treatment properly — the most common cause of failure is delaying the permanent restoration.
Is endodontic treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes, in the second trimester endodontic treatment is safe and recommended if necessary. An untreated tooth infection poses a greater risk to pregnancy than the procedure itself. X-rays are taken with a protective apron and minimal exposure. Always inform your dentist about your pregnancy.
Why is retreatment sometimes needed?
Retreatment is needed when the first treatment was unsuccessful. The most common reasons are complex canal anatomy (curves, side branches), insufficient cleaning during the first treatment, or a new infection due to a leaking filling. Modern microscopes significantly increase the success rate of retreatment.
What are the alternatives to endodontic treatment?
If the tooth can be saved, there is no alternative to endodontic treatment. The only other option is extraction followed by a replacement — an implant or a bridge. However, that is more expensive, more complicated and takes longer. Endodontic treatment should always be the first choice.