Root canal treatment: a plain guide

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026

Root canal treatment treats infected or damaged tissue inside a tooth. This guide explains when it may be needed, what usually happens and what to ask before treatment. It is general information only. Your dental practitioner can advise whether it suits your situation.

What root canal treatment is

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp, made up of nerves and blood vessels. Healthdirect says root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp, then cleans, shapes and fills the root canals to stop the infection and save the tooth. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown.

Healthdirect says the pulp can be affected by tooth decay, an injury, a crack, or repeated dental work. It also says antibiotics alone do not cure root canal infections.

Signs a tooth may need attention

Healthdirect says a root canal infection may not always cause symptoms straight away. Signs can include:

• toothache, or sensitivity to hot or cold
• a pimple-like bump near the tooth
• swelling near the tooth or jaw
• the tooth becoming darker in colour

Healthdirect says to make an urgent appointment with your dentist if you have severe pain or swelling. See the emergency dentist guide.

Who provides it

The Better Health Channel says all dentists are trained to carry out root canal treatment, and some dentists refer complicated cases to an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist registered as a specialist in endodontics. The Better Health Channel says you can ask your dentist for a referral if you would like a specialist opinion.

What happens during treatment

Healthdirect says root canal treatment usually takes a few appointments. Your dentist or endodontist will usually:

1. take an X-ray to check the tooth and surrounding area
2. use a local anaesthetic to numb the area
3. place a thin rubber sheet (a dam) over the tooth to keep it clean and dry
4. make a small opening to remove the pulp
5. clean, shape and disinfect the root canals
6. place a temporary filling if more than one visit is needed

When the canals are clean, they are filled and sealed, and a filling or crown is placed on top to protect the tooth. The Better Health Channel notes that a treated tooth that is sealed with a filling rather than covered with a crown may eventually turn grey. Ask your dentist about the options for restoring the tooth.

Preparing and recovery

Healthdirect suggests:

• eating before your visit, because your mouth may be numb for a few hours
• telling your dentist about any health conditions and medicines
• asking about costs before treatment starts
• asking which pain relief you can take, when you can eat normally and when you can return to work or school

Healthdirect says you may feel some mild pain or discomfort after treatment. If you feel anxious, see visiting the dentist when you feel anxious.

Possible complications

Healthdirect says root canal treatment is generally safe, but complications can happen. These include the need for further treatment, a small instrument becoming stuck in the canal, injury to the root, discolouration of the tooth and infection coming back. In some cases, treatment is not enough for a significant infection and the tooth will need to be removed.

Alternatives

Healthdirect says the alternative is usually to have the tooth removed, and that without treatment an infected tooth might need to be removed anyway. If a tooth is removed, you may need further treatment to replace it, such as a dental implant, a bridge or a denture. Discuss the options, risks and costs of each with your dentist or endodontist.

Questions to ask

• Is root canal treatment suitable for this tooth, and what are the alternatives?
• How many visits are likely, and will the tooth need a crown afterwards?
• Should I see an endodontist?
• What is the written quote, including item numbers for my health fund?

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.