A root canal is completed in five steps: numbing the tooth, removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals, filling and sealing them, and restoring the tooth with a crown or filling. It is done under local anaesthetic, usually takes one or two visits, and feels much like having a deep filling. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
The Root Canal Procedure: 5 Steps
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Numbing & access | Local anaesthetic, then a small opening in the tooth |
| 2. Removing the pulp | Infected pulp and bacteria are taken out |
| 3. Cleaning & shaping | Canals are disinfected and shaped |
| 4. Filling & sealing | Canals are filled and the tooth is sealed |
| 5. Restoration | A crown or filling rebuilds the tooth |
Step 1 — Numbing & Access
The dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area with local anaesthetic. Once it is fully numb, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber inside. A thin protective sheet keeps the tooth clean and dry during treatment.
Step 2 — Removing the Infected Pulp
Using fine instruments, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and the root canals. This clears the source of the pain and infection.
Step 3 — Cleaning & Shaping the Canals
The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and gently shaped with rotary instruments so they can be sealed completely. This is the most precise part of the procedure, and is what removes the bacteria for good.
Step 4 — Filling & Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed, so bacteria cannot re-enter. The access opening is then closed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Step 5 — Restoring the Tooth
Finally, the tooth is restored to full strength. Back teeth are usually capped with a crown, since a root-canalled tooth becomes more brittle; some front teeth can be restored with a filling. This step is what makes the tooth last for years.
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Does a Root Canal Hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful — the local anaesthetic means you feel pressure but no pain. The discomfort people associate with root canals usually comes from the infected tooth before treatment. Afterwards, mild tenderness for a couple of days is normal and easily managed with ordinary pain relief.
Recovery & Aftercare
You can return to normal activities the same day. Avoid chewing hard food on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted, keep up normal brushing and flossing, and attend any follow-up. Once crowned, the tooth functions like any other.
Root Canal Treatment in India
At Dr. Bandhavi’s Dental Clinic & Implant Centre in Delhi NCR, root canals use modern rotary endodontics and are completed comfortably in one or two visits — often alongside the crown within a single dental trip. Treatment costs 75–85% less than in the UK, US, or Australia, with full documentation provided for follow-up at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
A single root canal appointment usually takes 60–90 minutes. Front teeth with one canal are quicker; back molars with three or four canals take longer. Treatment is completed in one or two visits depending on the tooth and the level of infection.
Is a root canal painful?
No. A root canal is done under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure and movement but not pain — much like having a deep filling. Modern techniques have made the procedure routine and comfortable. Any mild soreness afterwards settles within a few days.
How many visits does a root canal need?
Most root canals take one or two visits. A straightforward case can be completed in a single appointment. If there is significant infection, the dentist may place a medicated dressing and complete the treatment at a second visit.
What is recovery like after a root canal?
Recovery is usually mild. The treated area may feel tender for 2–3 days, especially when biting, and ordinary pain relief manages it easily. You can return to normal activities the same day, and should avoid chewing hard food on that tooth until the final crown is fitted.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually, yes — particularly for back teeth. A root-canalled tooth becomes more brittle, and a crown protects it from cracking and restores full chewing strength. Front teeth can sometimes be restored with a filling instead. Your dentist advises based on the tooth.
Can a root canal be done in one trip to India?
Yes. A root canal, and the crown that often follows, can usually be completed within a single dental trip of 5–7 days. Dr. Bandhavi’s clinic in Delhi NCR plans the timing around your visit so you leave with the tooth fully restored.
Related Reading
- Pain-Free Root Canal in India
- Root Canal Cost: India vs UK
- Signs You Need a Root Canal
- Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction
- Dental Crowns in India: Cost & Types
Last updated: 26 May 2026. Reviewed by Dr. Bandhavi MDS (Endodontics). Clinic: Dr. Bandhavi’s Dental Clinic & Implant Centre, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR.
Related guide: crown options after your root canal.