01 Oct What Is A Root Canal And Why Might You Need One?

If you have been told you need root canal treatment, the name can make it sound worse than it is. So, what is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside a tooth. The dentist removes infected or inflamed pulp from the centre, cleans and disinfects the space, then fills and seals it. The aim is to save the affected tooth rather than have it extracted.

At The Dental Barn, we know root canal treatment has a reputation. We would rather explain what is happening, numb the area properly and take things at a pace that feels manageable.

Quick Summary

A root canal treats an infected tooth by removing damaged or infected soft tissue from inside it. Local anaesthetic is used, so the procedure should not be painful while it is being carried out. Treatment often takes two or more appointments, usually around one to two hours each, although this varies.

Why Would You Need A Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is a space containing the pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. This can become inflamed or infected after deep tooth decay, a crack or break, trauma, or sometimes gum disease.

Once infection reaches this part of the tooth, a normal filling may no longer be enough. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue while keeping the outer tooth structure in place.

How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?

You may have persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling, or a tooth that has darkened. Sometimes an infection is found during an examination or on an X-ray before you have much pain.

That is why how do you know if you need a root canal is not something you can reliably answer at home. A dentist needs to assess the tooth and work out whether the pulp is affected.

What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure?

The first step is usually local anaesthetic to numb the area. The tooth is then isolated, commonly using a rubber dam. This keeps it dry and helps stop saliva and bacteria entering during treatment. The British Endodontic Society recommends rubber dam isolation during root canal treatment.

The dentist makes a small opening in the tooth and removes the damaged pulp. The canals then go through careful cleaning and disinfection before being filled and sealed.

You may have a temporary filling between visits. Afterwards, the treated tooth may also need a crown if it has been weakened significantly.

Does A Root Canal Hurt?

This is the question people worry about most. Does a root canal hurt? With modern local anaesthetic, the treatment itself should be comfortable. In many cases, the pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain from the infected tooth before treatment.

The area can feel sore afterwards, particularly when biting, but this should improve. If pain becomes severe or gets worse rather than settling, contact your dentist.

At The Dental Barn, our priority is to keep treatment calm and as pain free as possible.

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

If you are wondering ‘how long does a root canal take’, NHS guidance says treatment usually needs two or more appointments. Appointments often last one to two hours, or sometimes longer.

The exact time depends on the tooth, the number of canals and how complicated the infection is.

Are Root Canals Bad For You?

No. Root canal treatment is an established dental treatment used to remove infection and save natural teeth. The British Endodontic Society describes it as a safe and effective procedure.

Leaving an infected tooth untreated can allow the infection to worsen. In some cases, the alternative may eventually be tooth extraction rather than saving the tooth.

How To Avoid Root Canal Treatment

There is no guaranteed way to avoid every root canal because teeth can crack or be damaged unexpectedly. But good dental care and oral health habits reduce some of the common risks.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, keep sugary foods and drinks sensible, and attend regular dental checks. Catching tooth decay early can mean treating it before it reaches the pulp.

If a tooth is painful, cracked or behaving differently, getting it checked sooner is usually better than waiting for it to become unbearable.

If you are worried about a tooth or have been told you may need root canal treatment, call The Dental Barn on 01323 325397 to book an assessment.

FAQs

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to remove infection or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled and sealed so the natural tooth can usually be kept.

Does a root canal hurt?

Local anaesthetic is normally used, so you should not feel pain during treatment. You may notice some soreness afterwards, but this usually settles.

How long does a root canal take?

Root canal treatment often takes two or more appointments, with each appointment commonly lasting around one to two hours. More complicated teeth may take longer.

How do you know if you need a root canal?

Possible signs include persistent toothache, sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling or a change in tooth colour. However, some infected teeth cause few symptoms, so an examination and X-ray may be needed.

Why would a tooth need root canal treatment?

The pulp inside a tooth can become infected because of deep decay, cracks, damage or other dental problems. Root canal treatment removes this infection while allowing the tooth to remain in place.

Are root canals bad for you?

No. Root canal treatment is a well-established dental procedure used to treat infection and save teeth. Claims that correctly performed root canals are inherently harmful are not supported by good evidence.

What happens if I do not have a root canal?

An infected tooth may become increasingly painful or develop an abscess. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may eventually be necessary.

Can a root canal save a badly damaged tooth?

Often, yes, provided enough healthy tooth structure remains and the canals can be cleaned and sealed successfully. Some teeth are too damaged to save, which your dentist will discuss with you.

How can I avoid needing a root canal?

Good brushing, cleaning between the teeth, sensible sugar intake and regular dental checks can reduce the risk by helping prevent decay or catching it early. Cracks and accidents cannot always be prevented.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Sometimes. Teeth that have been badly weakened by decay or infection may benefit from a crown afterwards to protect the remaining tooth. Your dentist will advise whether this is needed.

Updated October 2026