If your dentist has recommended a root canal, it’s normal to feel unsure or even anxious about what to expect. Root canal treatment often carries a reputation for being uncomfortable or complicated, but the reality is very different. With today’s modern dental techniques, anaesthetics, and equipment, root canals are typically smooth, pain-free and highly successful procedures designed to save your natural tooth.
Understanding what actually happens during a root canal appointment can help you feel more informed and confident before your visit. This guide breaks down the entire process step-by-step—from the initial consultation to the final restoration—so you know exactly what to expect during each stage of treatment.
To help London patients looking for a root canal, we’ve included practical details about how root canals are performed at Whites Dental Waterloo SE1 and Whites Dental Marble Arch W2.
Key Takeaways
- A root canal is a pain-free, routine dental procedure that saves a natural tooth from infection or irreversible damage
- Most root canal appointments involve three stages: diagnosis, cleaning the infected root canals, and sealing the tooth
- Modern anaesthetic makes the procedure comfortable, and most patients feel relief immediately after treatment.
- The appointment typically takes 60–90 minutes, though multi-rooted teeth or severe infections may require additional visits.
- A dental crown is often placed after the root canal to protect the tooth and restore full function.
- Untreated infections can lead to severe pain, abscesses, bone loss or even tooth extraction.
Understanding Why Root Canal Treatment Is Needed
A root canal becomes necessary when the inner part of the tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen for several reasons, such as deep decay, cracks, trauma or repeated dental procedures on the tooth.
Common symptoms include:
- Continuous pain.
- Sensitivity to temperature.
- Swelling or tenderness
- Darkening of the tooth.
- Gum boils (abscesses)
💡 Even if your pain comes and goes, the infection remains—and will not heal on its own. A root canal stops the infection, prevents it from spreading further and preserves your natural tooth for many years.
What Happens Before Your Root Canal Appointment?
Consultation And Examination
Your dentist begins the root canal procedure with a detailed examination, which may include:
- X-rays to identify the infected area
- Sensitivity tests
- Assessment of swelling or infection
This allows the dentist to confirm whether a root canal is needed and plan the procedure accurately.
What To Expect At Whites Dental
At Whites Dental Waterloo and Whites Dental Marble Arch, the consultation is designed to be relaxed and informative. We explain the findings clearly, outline treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Before your appointment, your dentist may advise you to:
- Eat normally (as local anaesthetic is used)
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if you’re experiencing discomfort
- Continue brushing and flossing as usual
💡 Unless you have specific medical conditions, no special preparation is required.
Step 1: Numbing The Tooth
Your dentist begins by applying a local anaesthetic around the affected tooth. This ensures the entire procedure is comfortable, and you should feel no pain—only gentle pressure.
Patients are often surprised by how quick and easy this part is. If you’re anxious, your dentist can also discuss additional calming techniques.
Step 2: Isolating The Tooth
Once the area is numb, the dentist places a rubber barrier called a dental dam around the tooth. This keeps the area clean and dry and helps prevent saliva from touching the open tooth during treatment.
💡 It also improves visibility for the dentist, making the procedure safer and more efficient.
Step 3: Creating Access To The Root Canal
A small opening is made at the top of the tooth (the chewing surface) to access the infected pulp chamber. This allows the dentist to reach the root canals, which are narrow channels inside the tooth roots.
Modern endodontic technology—such as rotary instruments and digital imaging—makes this step far more precise than ever before.
Step 4: Cleaning Out The Infection
This is the crucial part of the procedure. The dentist removes all infected pulp tissue using fine instruments specifically designed for root canal therapy. During this stage, the dentist will:
- Remove damaged and infected tissue.
- Shape the canals for filling
- Disinfect the inside of the tooth using specialised solutions
💡 This ensures the tooth is fully cleaned and prepared for sealing, reducing the risk of future infection.
Step 5: Shaping And Disinfecting The Canals
Once the infected pulp has been removed, the dentist shapes the canals. This ensures they can be properly filled and sealed. The canals must be smooth and free of debris to prevent bacterial growth.
Additional disinfectant is used to ensure deep sterilisation of the entire canal system—an important step in achieving long-term treatment success.
Step 6: Filling The Root Canals
When the canals are clean and dry, they are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This seals the canals completely and prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
💡 The dentist may also add an adhesive cement to ensure a tight seal.
Step 7: Restoring The Tooth
A temporary or permanent filling is placed over the access opening. However, because root canal-treated teeth can become brittle over time, a dental crown is often recommended.
Why Crowns Are Important
A crown:
- Restores full chewing strength
- Protects the tooth from cracks
- Improves long-term durability
💡 Root-canal-treated molars especially benefit from crowns due to stronger biting forces.
How Long Does The Root Canal Appointment Take?
A typical root canal appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on:
- The complexity of the tooth.
- Number of canals
- Severity of infection
💡 Some cases require two visits—especially if the infection is severe or the dentist needs time to eliminate deep bacterial pockets before sealing the tooth.
What You Will Feel During the Procedure
Most patients feel pressure but no pain. Thanks to modern anaesthesia and equipment, the experience is similar to having a dental filling. Patients often say a root canal was far easier than they expected.
After Your Root Canal Appointment
What To Expect Immediately After
Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days. This is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Eating And Drinking
- Try now to chew from the side that’s been treated till such time you get a permanent restoration placed.
- Soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours.
Oral Hygiene
Continue normal brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth initially.
Possible Risks And Complications
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate—around 90–95%—but like any procedure, complications can occur:
- Missed canals.
- Re-infection
- Cracks in the tooth
- Complex root anatomy
💡 Choosing an experienced root canal dentist (such as those at Whites Dental) significantly reduces these risks.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy removes infection from deep inside the tooth while preserving the external structure. This prevents the need for extraction and maintains your natural bite, jawbone strength, and smile aesthetics. Without treatment, infection can spread, causing abscesses, bone loss and severe pain. A root canal stops this progression and restores the tooth’s health.
Why Root Canal Treatment Is Better Than Extraction
While tooth extraction may seem quicker or cheaper initially, it often leads to:
- Shifting teeth.
- Bite misalignment.
- Bone loss
- The need for implants or bridges
💡 Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best long-term solution.
Root Canal Treatment At Whites Dental In London
Whites Dental provides comfortable, modern root canal treatment clinics in London:
Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Rd
London SE1 8ER
020 8616 0590
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal St
St George’s Fields
London W2 2BP
020 3576 2325
💡 Both clinics offer state-of-the-art equipment, gentle care and a highly experienced dental team.
When To See A Dentist Immediately
Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Severe toothache that wakes you at night
- Persistent swelling.
- Gum boils or abscesses.
- Tooth darkening.
- Sudden sensitivity that lingers
💡 These are signs of infection that require prompt attention.
Final Thoughts
A root canal appointment is a straightforward, pain-free procedure designed to save your natural tooth and eliminate infection. With the right dentist and modern techniques, most patients find the experience far easier than they ever expected.
💡 If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been told you may need a root canal, both Whites Dental Waterloo and Whites Dental Marble Arch can provide fast, comfortable treatment.