A root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or severely inflamed on the inside. Each tooth contains a soft inner tissue called the pulp, which houses nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, trauma or repeated dental procedures, it can cause pain and swelling.
During a root canal, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed to prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored, usually with a filling or crown, allowing it to function normally again.
When do you need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if bacteria reach the pulp of the tooth. This can happen for several reasons, including untreated cavities, dental trauma, cracks in the tooth, or extensive wear.
Common signs that indicate you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent toothache or pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Tooth discolouration
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
A thorough dental examination and X-rays are required to confirm whether root canal treatment is necessary.
Is a root canal painful?
Often associated with pain or discomfort, modern root canal treatment is actually designed to relieve pain, save natural teeth, and restore oral health.
Thanks to modern techniques and effective local anaesthesia, root canal treatment is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
In fact, most patients report that the procedure relieves the pain caused by infection rather than creating it. Any mild soreness afterwards is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and settles within a few days.
How long does a root canal take?
The length of a root canal treatment depends on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the infection.
- Front teeth often take around 45–60 minutes
- Premolars and molars may take 60–90 minutes
- Some complex cases may require more than one appointment
Your dentist will advise you on the expected timeline before starting treatment. A root canal in our London clinic is performed by one of our experienced clinicians and is planned carefully to ensure efficiency, comfort and long-term success.
Root canal recovery time
Recovery after a root canal is usually straightforward. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day.
You may experience:
- Mild tenderness when biting for a few days
- Temporary sensitivity around the treated tooth due to local anesthetic
Root canal recovery time varies slightly from person to person, but if any discomfort is experienced, it generally subsides within a few days to a week. It’s important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored.
Why is a crown often recommended after a root canal?
After a root canal, the tooth no longer has a blood supply and can become more brittle over time. For this reason, a crown is often recommended, particularly for back teeth, to protect the tooth from fracture and restore full function.
The crown acts as a protective covering, allowing the tooth to withstand normal chewing forces and extend its lifespan.
What happens if you don’t have a root canal?
Delaying or avoiding root canal treatment can allow the infection to spread, leading to increased pain, abscess formation, bone loss, or even tooth loss. In severe cases, extraction may become the only option.
Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to removal and replacement.
Root canal treatment in London
Choosing the right clinician is key to a successful outcome. A root canal treatment in London, Bespoke Smile is carried out by an experienced dentist who uses advanced imaging, technology, precision instruments and modern materials to ensure the best possible result.
With the right care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last many years — often a lifetime.