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dental
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth--an abscess--that is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. It is generally done when the cavity is too big for a normal filling.
Quick Facts
- Price range
- Varies by clinic
- Recovery
- Varies
- Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- dental
- Anaesthesia
- Varies
- Min. stay abroad
- Varies
- Price Range (International)
- Varies by clinic
- Average Recovery
- Varies
- Typical Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- dental
Overview
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth — an abscess — that aims to eliminate the infection and protect the decontaminated tooth from further microbial invasion. It is generally carried out when decay is too extensive for an ordinary filling. Inside every tooth are hollow spaces — the root canals and the connected pulp chamber — that naturally contain nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells. In endodontic therapy these structures are removed and the hollows are disinfected and then shaped, cleaned and decontaminated using small files and irrigating solutions. Once the canals are clean, they are sealed by obturation (filling), typically with an inert material such as gutta-percha together with a zinc oxide eugenol-based cement; in some procedures epoxy resin is used to bind the gutta-percha. The overall goal is to remove infected tissue while preserving a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Endodontics covers both primary and secondary (repeat) root canal treatments, as well as periradicular surgery, which is generally reserved for teeth that still have potential to be saved. Careful cleaning and shaping of the canal system is central to the treatment, and the narrowness, curvature, length, calcification and number of a tooth's roots all influence how challenging the procedure is.
Key Considerations
Common Risks
- Separation (fracture) of an endodontic file, leaving a segment inside the canal
- Incompletely cleaned canals, which can leave infection behind
- Sodium hypochlorite irrigant accident, causing severe pain, swelling and bruising
Credentials a clinic should hold
Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.
National dental-council registration
Issuer Country-specific (e.g. GDC in UK, ADA in US, DCI in India, MOPH in Thailand)
Baseline registration with the country's statutory dental regulator. A non-negotiable minimum for any dental procedure.
Verify on the issuer's register →
Recovery Timeline
Average recovery for Root Canal Treatment is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
- 01Day 0–1
Immediate
First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.
- 02Day 2–2
Early recovery
Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.
- 03Day 3–3
Intermediate recovery
Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.
- 04Day 4–0
Full recovery
Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.
You may not have any feeling in your jaw and face for several hours after root canal treatment, while the anaesthetic wears off. The area around your tooth may feel swollen and sore but it should get better in a couple of weeks. There are things you can do to help you recover from root canal treatment and keep the tooth healthy. ### Do - take [paracetamol](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults-old/) or [ibuprofen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-and-codeine-nurofen-plus/about-ibuprofen-and-codeine/) if you're in pain - be careful not to bump or knock your mouth - go to any follow-up appointments after your treatment - [take care of of your teeth and gums](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/take-care-of-your-teeth-and-gums/) - try to have regular dentis
*Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*
Questions to Ask Your Clinic
Browse all destinations offering Root Canal Treatment →Detailed cost breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
What root canal treatment is for?
Root canal treatment may be recommended if you've got tooth pain caused by an infected tooth.
How to get root canal treatment?
You can get root canal treatment from an NHS or private dentist. Sometimes you may see a root canal specialist called an endodontist.
How root canal treatment is done?
Before having root canal treatment, you'll usually be given a [local anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/local-anaesthesia/), so you'll be awake but will not feel any pain.
What causes tooth disorders?
The causes of tooth disorders varies, depending on the problem. Sometimes the cause is not taking good care of your teeth. In other cases, you may have been born with the problem or the cause is an accident.
How are tooth disorders diagnosed?
Your dentist will ask about your symptoms, look at your teeth, and probe them with dental instruments. In some cases, you may need dental x-rays.
Is root canal treatment painful, and how long does it take?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will be awake but should not feel any pain during the procedure. It usually takes 2 or more appointments, each lasting about 1 to 2 hours, or sometimes longer, and a temporary filling may be placed between visits. Afterwards the area around the tooth may feel swollen and sore, but this should get better in a couple of weeks.
Related Procedures
Other dental procedures in our registry