Root Canal Procedure Explained: Cost, Recovery, Pain, and What to Expect

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you're not alone—and there’s no need to panic. Root canal treatment is a very common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and stop the infection from spreading.
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you're not alone—and there’s no need to panic. Root canal treatment is a very common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and stop the infection from spreading.
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Published on
May 24, 2025

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you're not alone—and there’s no need to panic. Root canal treatment is a very common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and stop the infection from spreading. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the root canal procedure involves, how long it takes, the cost, recovery time, and what to expect before and after root canal treatment.

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal (also known as endodontic therapy) is a dental treatment that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. This inner soft tissue—called the pulp—contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected, it can cause serious pain and even tooth loss if left untreated.

At Ora Dental Clinic, we use modern techniques to make sure the root canal treatment procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if:

  • You have deep decay (a large cavity)
  • A tooth is cracked or broken
  • There’s been trauma to a tooth
  • You’ve had repeated dental work on the same tooth

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • A dark or discoloured tooth
  • A small pimple or bump on your gum

Root Canal Procedure Steps

Wondering what the root canal procedure involves? Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

We start by numbing the tooth and surrounding gum with local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.

Step 2: Creating Access

A small hole is made in the top of the tooth so we can access the pulp.

Step 3: Cleaning and Shaping

Infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are carefully cleaned, disinfected, and shaped with special instruments.

Step 4: Filling

The space is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal the canal.

Step 5: Restoration

The tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. Most often, we recommend a crown to protect the tooth and restore strength, especially for back teeth.

How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?

  • Most root canals are done in 1 to 2 appointments.
  • Each session takes about 60–90 minutes, depending on the complexity and number of roots.

So if you’ve been wondering how long it takes for a root canal procedure or how long a root canal procedure takes, the short answer is: not as long as you might think.

Root Canal Treatment Cost

The root canal treatment cost can vary depending on:

  • Which tooth needs treatment (molars cost more than front teeth)
  • How complex the procedure is
  • Whether a crown is required

At Ora Dental Clinic, we believe in transparent pricing. You can find detailed cost guides on our treatment fees page.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Choosing a root canal over extraction saves your natural tooth and avoids more expensive treatments like dental implants or bridges down the line.

Root Canal Recovery Time and Aftercare

You might feel a bit of tenderness for a few days, especially if the tooth was infected before the procedure. This is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Quick Recovery Tips:

  • Eat soft foods for a few days
  • Avoid chewing on the treated side until the crown is placed
  • Keep up with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups

Wondering about the root canal before and after differences? Most patients say the relief is almost instant, especially when pain was present beforehand.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Let’s bust the myth: Does a root canal hurt?No, modern root canal procedures are no more painful than getting a standard filling. Most people feel a huge improvement after treatment as the source of pain (the infected pulp) is removed.

How Do You Prevent a Root Canal?

Prevention is better than a cure. Here's how to avoid root canal treatment in the future:

  • Brush twice a day and floss daily
  • See your dentist regularly for checkups and hygiene appointments
  • Treat cavities and cracks early
  • Wear a mouthguard during sports to avoid injury

Good dental care goes a long way in reducing your root canal expense later.

FAQs About Root Canal Procedure

What is the difference between a root canal and extraction?

A root canal saves your natural tooth. Extraction removes it and usually requires an implant or bridge to fill the gap.

Can I eat after the procedure?

Wait until the anaesthetic wears off. Then stick to soft foods for the first day or two.

Will my tooth look different after?

Not really. After the crown is fitted, your tooth will look and feel just like the rest.

Can root canals fail?

They’re usually very successful, but if infection returns, the treatment can be repeated or adjusted.

Final Thoughts

Root canals sound scary, but they’re not. With the right care and a skilled team, your root canal experience before and after will be smoother than you think. Whether you're dealing with pain or just have questions, our team at Ora Dental Clinic is here to help every step of the way.

Ready to save your smile?
Book your consultation with Ora Dental Clinic today.

Edgbaston Smile
Edgbaston Smile Clinic in Birmingham offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to refresh, restore and rejuvenate your smile. Our aim is to promote oral health and achieve great aesthetic and functional results.

Our ethos is to place our clients’ needs at the centre of everything that we do and provide the highest quality of service.
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