Root canal treatment
In one line
A root canal removes infected tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and saves the tooth so it does not have to be taken out.
Last reviewed: 1 September 2026
What it involves
Pain relief comes first. Straightforward cases are usually completed in a single visit.
- 1
Assessment and pain relief
Same visit, 15 to 20 minutes
An X-ray confirms the diagnosis and the tooth is numbed, which settles the pain before anything else happens.
- 2
Cleaning the canals
45 to 75 minutes
The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped. Straightforward cases finish here in one visit.
- 3
Filling and sealing
Same visit
The canals are sealed and the access cavity filled, so bacteria cannot re-enter.
- 4
Crown or permanent restoration
1 to 2 visits over 1 to 2 weeks
Back teeth are usually protected with a crown so the tooth does not fracture under chewing.
Aftercare
Chew on the other side until the permanent restoration is fitted, and take pain relief as advised if the tooth feels tender. Read the full aftercare instructions →
Questions about root canals
Book an appointment
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