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.
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.
You may need a root canal if:
Common symptoms include:
Wondering what the root canal procedure involves? Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:
We start by numbing the tooth and surrounding gum with local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.
A small hole is made in the top of the tooth so we can access the pulp.
Infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are carefully cleaned, disinfected, and shaped with special instruments.
The space is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal the canal.
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.
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.
The root canal treatment cost can vary depending on:
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.
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.
Wondering about the root canal before and after differences? Most patients say the relief is almost instant, especially when pain was present beforehand.
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.
Prevention is better than a cure. Here's how to avoid root canal treatment in the future:
Good dental care goes a long way in reducing your root canal expense later.
A root canal saves your natural tooth. Extraction removes it and usually requires an implant or bridge to fill the gap.
Wait until the anaesthetic wears off. Then stick to soft foods for the first day or two.
Not really. After the crown is fitted, your tooth will look and feel just like the rest.
They’re usually very successful, but if infection returns, the treatment can be repeated or adjusted.
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.