Root canals have an unfair reputation. With modern techniques and proper anesthesia, most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is — and the relief from tooth pain is immediate.
Inside every tooth is a chamber containing pulp — soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay or a crack, it becomes infected and causes significant pain. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth — saving it from extraction.
After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect its structure for years to come.
Root canals are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure itself should feel like getting a filling — pressure and movement, but not pain. Most patients report that the pain from the infection before the procedure is far worse than the treatment itself.
A straightforward root canal takes 60–90 minutes in one appointment. More complex cases (like molars with multiple canals) may require a second visit. A crown is placed at a separate appointment after healing.
Extraction costs less upfront, but replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge usually costs significantly more than saving the original tooth. When possible, saving your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term investment.