What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected pulp (the nerve) from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals the canals โ saving your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Many people fear it because of its old reputation, but today it's a comfortable procedure in most cases. This guide explains the steps, how many visits it takes, and what to expect afterwards.
When do you need a root canal?
- Throbbing or spontaneous pain, especially at night.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is gone.
- Pain when biting.
- An abscess or swelling in the gum near the tooth.
- Deep decay reaching the nerve, or a cracked tooth.
Root canal treatment step by step
- Diagnosis: examination, sensitivity tests and an X-ray to see the roots, canal shape and surrounding bone.
- Local anaesthesia so the treatment is painless. Severe inflammation may need a little longer for numbness to take effect.
- Isolation with a rubber dam to keep the area clean and dry.
- Access and nerve removal: a small opening on top of the tooth to reach and remove the pulp.
- Cleaning and shaping the canals with fine instruments and disinfecting solutions, measuring each canal's length precisely.
- Filling the canals with a special material that seals them to the tip, preventing bacteria from returning.
- Sealing and restoration: a temporary or permanent filling, then usually a crown for back teeth to protect them from fracture.
How many visits does a root canal take?
| Situation | Usual number of visits |
|---|---|
| Inflamed nerve without spreading infection | Often one visit |
| Abscess or severe infection | Two visits, with medication placed in the canals in between |
| Retreating a previous root canal | Two or more visits |
| Curved or calcified canals | May need extra time |
A session usually takes 45โ90 minutes depending on the tooth and number of canals.
What happens at the second visit?
If two visits are needed, an antibacterial medicine is placed in the canals at the first visit under a temporary filling. At the second visit it's removed, the canals are cleaned again and sealed permanently. Don't postpone the second visit โ temporary fillings don't last long, and bacteria can leak back in.
After a root canal: what to expect
- Tenderness when biting for a few days is normal and eases with regular painkillers.
- Avoid hard chewing on the tooth until it's permanently restored โ it's weaker until then.
- If you notice swelling or increasing severe pain, contact the clinic.
- A well-treated, well-restored tooth can last many years โ often a lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal painful?
It's done under local anaesthesia, and most patients feel much better afterwards because the source of pain is removed. Mild discomfort for a few days is normal.
Can the nerve be treated without a root canal?
With mild, reversible inflammation, treating the decay and protecting the nerve may be enough. If the inflammation is irreversible or the nerve has died, root canal treatment is needed.
How long between root canal visits?
Usually one to two weeks, depending on the case and your dentist's advice.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a good restoration, daily care and regular check-ups, it can last for many years.
Root canal treatment in Amman
At Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh we diagnose with X-rays and treat with precise, comfortable techniques. See root canal treatment or book your appointment.