What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
                     What Happens During 
a Root Canal Treatmen1 t? 
Root canals are performed to preserve 
a tooth that is infected or severely injured. 
People often view a root canal as being 
a lengthy or painful procedure, but this 
is rarely the case. 
A simple root canal can often 
be completed in under an hour. 
Even a more complicated one 
shouldn’t have you in the chair 
for more than an hour or two.
Your root canal should also be relatively 
pain-free. 
Anesthesia makes your dental treatment 
comfortable, and most people find that 
it doesn’t feel any worse than getting 
a filling.
Finding out what happens 
during a root canal treatment 
erases the fear of the unknown 
that causes anxiety.
Start With an X-Ray 
and Exam
Most people come to the dentist with 
symptoms that indicate a root canal 
might be necessary. 
Lingering pain in a tooth after 
exposure to hot or cold foods 
is a big warning sign. 
An infected tooth might also cause you 
to develop a pimple, or abscess, on 
your gums. 
A sharp pain with biting or obvious 
crack are additional signs that your 
dentist will take seriously.
Dentists start root canals with an x-ray.
This gives them a chance to get 
a good look at the shape and number 
of the tooth roots.
We also use x-rays to look for signs 
of an infection in the surrounding bone 
and tissues of a tooth. 
Use the Preferred 
Type of Pain Relief
Some teeth that need root canals have 
dead nerves that no longer cause pain. 
Your dentist will still likely use anesthesia 
to make sure that you feel completely 
comfortable during the procedure. 
Usually, a dentist uses a topical pain 
reliever on your gums to numb the area 
before using an injectable anesthetic. 
You’ll find this similar to the process 
and sensation that you feel during 
a tooth filling.
Occasionally, stronger forms 
of anesthesia are necessary. 
Sedatives are helpful for patients 
with extreme dental anxiety. 
People who have disabilities 
that make it hard to sit for long 
periods of time may also do better 
with sedation.
Clean Out 
the Tooth Roots
Once you are properly numb and relaxed, 
the main part of the procedure begins. 
The dentist will drill into the tooth 
to access the pulp and roots. 
Then, they use special instruments 
to clean out each root. 
You might feel a little pressure during 
this time, but shouldn’t be in pain.
Seal the Tooth
After the tooth is completely clean, your dentist has two options. 
For teeth with severe infections, they may choose to wait to 
permanently seal the tooth. 
Instead, they’ll place an antibiotic medication into the tooth 
and wait for the next appointment to make sure the infection clears. 
If they feel confident about the healing process, 
they can also seal the tooth on the same day.
Restore the Tooth 
With a Crown
After a root canal, most teeth are too 
weak to withstand chewing forces. 
You’ll typically need a dental crown 
to add strength. 
A crown is often placed in stages. 
You’ll likely go home with a temporary 
crown on your tooth while a permanent 
one is made by a dental lab.
Once it is ready, you’ll come back 
to the office to have it placed. 
In some cases, you can have a crown 
made the same day, which helps you 
move forward with healing.
We only recommend root canals when we believe 
that it is your best option to save a tooth. 
If you have any concerns, then let us know. 
We can walk you through the procedure and let you know 
if we expect to run into any complications. 
Once your root canal recovery is complete, 
your tooth should be pain-free and function 
just like it did before as you speak and chew 
your food.
Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented 
dental care clinic with dentists that care 
about you and your health.
Give us the opportunity to give you 
the smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment 
at (480) 820-3515. 
Give us the opportunity to give you 
the smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment 
at (480) 820-3515.