Root canal treatment (or endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure used to save a badly decayed or infected tooth. It involves removing the inflamed or infected soft tissue (the pulp) inside the tooth, then cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the space to prevent future reinfection.

You need a root canal when the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed. This procedure clears out the diseased tissue, cleans the space, and seals the tooth to save it from extraction.

No, a modern root canal procedure itself is not painful. Thanks to advanced local anesthetics, the treatment generally feels no more uncomfortable than getting a standard cavity filling

A typical root canal procedure takes between 30 to 90 minutes per appointment, with most standard cases wrapping up in about an hour. Depending on the complexity of the tooth, the treatment can be completed in a single visit or may require two separate sessions.

Common signs include severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth or gums, pain when biting, and darkening of the tooth. In some cases, there may be no strong symptoms until the infection becomes advanced. A dental exam and X-ray are the best way to confirm the need for treatment.

Endodontic surgery is used when a tooth cannot be fully treated with standard root canal therapy or retreatment alone. It may be recommended to remove infection, treat hidden canal issues, or address problems at the root tip. The goal is to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.

Mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days is normal after treatment. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. You should avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is fully restored, and contact the clinic if pain or swelling gets worse instead of improving.

Root canal retreatment is a procedure done when a tooth that had a previous root canal becomes infected again or does not heal properly. The old filling material is removed, the canals are cleaned again, and the tooth is sealed once more. It can help save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

In many cases, yes. A root canal can leave the tooth more fragile, especially if it is a back tooth. A crown helps protect the tooth, restore strength, and lower the risk of fracture. Dr. Mohammad Habib will recommend the right restoration based on the tooth and the amount of remaining structure.