Root canal treatment: procedure, recovery and questions
Root canal treatment removes infected tissue from inside a tooth, cleans the space and seals it. It is a treatment a dentist may recommend after examining an infected tooth.
What the procedure involves
Treatment usually involves local anaesthetic. The dentist accesses the inside of the tooth, removes infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and fills and seals them. It may take more than one appointment. A temporary filling may be used between visits, and a crown may be needed afterwards.
Discuss alternatives and the full plan
Ask why the dentist recommends this option for your particular tooth and what the alternatives would involve. Request a written plan that separates the root canal from any later restoration. This avoids comparing a quote for only one stage with a quote for the whole course of treatment.
Recovery and follow-up
Numbness can last for several hours after local anaesthetic. Some soreness around the tooth can occur while it settles. Follow your dentist’s aftercare and attend follow-up visits. Contact the practice if pain or swelling worsens or you are worried; breathing or swallowing difficulty needs emergency help.
Keep a simple treatment record
Record appointment dates, the next planned stage and the contact number for problems outside normal hours. Ask which instructions apply while a temporary filling is in place. A chat summary can help you remember questions, but it does not replace the clinical notes or the dentist’s written advice.
Questions to take to your appointment
- Will this tooth need a crown, and is that included in the quote?
- How many visits are expected, and who will provide the treatment?
- What symptoms after treatment should prompt a call?
Write down the answers in your own words and ask the practice to clarify anything unclear.
Sources and scope
Sources consulted on 25 October 2026. NHS service and payment information is specific to its stated UK jurisdiction. Care pathways elsewhere in Europe differ. This page does not establish an individual diagnosis.
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