1. What does an endodontist do?
An endodontist is a root canal specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, such as nerve pain, inflammation, and infection. Because they complete years of additional training and use advanced tools like microscopes and 3D imaging, they are especially skilled at saving teeth that might otherwise be lost.
2. What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills and seals them to keep bacteria out. This allows the infection to heal, relieves pain, and lets you keep your natural tooth instead of needing an extraction.
3. Do I need to see an endodontist or a general dentist for a root canal?
Many general dentists perform root canal therapy, but endodontists limit their practice to these procedures and handle difficult or complex cases every day. If your tooth has curved roots, a previous root canal therapy, or persistent pain, seeing an endodontist can improve comfort, accuracy, and long term success.
4. How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common warning signs include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away quickly, pain when chewing, swelling, or a pimple like bump on the gum. The only way to know for sure is to have an exam and x-rays with a dentist or endodontist who can test the tooth and confirm the diagnosis.
5. Can I just take antibiotics to treat the infection instead of receiving root canal treatment?
No. Antibiotics alone cannot eliminate a tooth infection because they do not reach the source of the problem inside the tooth. Once the pulp becomes infected or dies, there is no blood supply inside the tooth to deliver antibiotics effectively. Root canal treatment is necessary to physically remove the infected tissue and bacteria. Antibiotics may be used temporarily to help control swelling or spread of infection, but they do not replace definitive treatment.
6. Is a root canal painful?
No. Modern root canal therapy is performed with strong local anesthesia, so the tooth is completely numb during the procedure. Patients do not feel pain during treatment, and the goal of root canal therapy is to eliminate the source of tooth pain. Most patients feel relief after treatment compared to how they felt before.
7. How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal therapies are completed in one visit that lasts about 60 minutes depending on the tooth and how many canals it has. Teeth that are badly infected, have complex roots, or need additional cleaning may require a second visit to achieve the best result.
8. What happens after a root canal?
After root canal therapy, the infection inside the tooth has been removed and the tooth can begin healing. It is normal to experience some soreness in the area for a few days, especially when biting, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You can return to normal activities the same day or the next day.
The treated tooth will need a permanent restoration, often a crown, to restore strength and protect it from fracture. This restoration is completed by your general dentist, so it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist soon after your root canal. Follow-up visits with X-rays or CT scans may also be recommended to confirm proper healing.
9. Why should I save my natural tooth instead of extracting it?
Saving your natural tooth helps maintain proper bite function, preserves jawbone, and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting or wearing unevenly. While extraction may seem like a quicker option, replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant is typically more complex, more costly, and takes more time than preserving the tooth with root canal therapy.
Even with recent advancements in dental implants, no replacement fully matches a natural tooth in terms of esthetics, function, and feel. Whenever possible, keeping your own tooth is the most predictable and conservative option.
10. What is the success rate of root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy has a high success rate. Published studies report success rates ranging from approximately 75 to 89 percent, depending on how success is defined and the criteria used for evaluation.
At our clinic, we apply very strict success criteria. We routinely use both preoperative and postoperative 3D CBCT scans rather than relying solely on traditional 2D X-rays, which can miss important details. With this advanced imaging and modern endodontic technology, our success rates have consistently been in the 90 to 93 percent range.
With proper follow-up care and a well-fitting crown placed by your dentist, many root canal–treated teeth function comfortably for decades, and often for a lifetime.
11. Do endodontists treat dental emergencies?
Yes, endodontists frequently treat dental emergencies such as severe tooth pain, infections, dental abscesses, cracked teeth, and injuries to front teeth. Their advanced training in pain relief and infection control means they can often provide same-day or urgent care to quickly diagnose the problem and stabilize the tooth.
12. Do I still have roots after a root canal?
Yes, you still have roots after root canal therapy because the procedure only cleans and fills the inside of the roots instead of removing them. The roots stay in your jawbone and continue to support the tooth just like before, but they no longer contain the infected nerve tissue that caused pain.
13. Does a root canal kill the tooth?
There are nerve tissues in the surrounding gums and bone, so you can still feel pressure and biting forces on the tooth. The only sensation that is lost is temperature sensitivity from within the tooth. If inflammation or infection develops in the surrounding tissues, discomfort can still occur, which is why proper restoration and follow-up care are important.
14. Can a tooth with a root canal still hurt?
Yes, a tooth with root canal treatment can still feel uncomfortable if there is inflammation in the surrounding ligament or bone, a crack in the tooth, a high bite, or a new or persistent infection. Although the nerve inside the tooth has been removed, the supporting tissues around the tooth remain alive and can generate pain signals when irritated.
15. Do I still need a crown after a root canal?
In most back teeth, a crown is strongly recommended after root canal therapy to protect the tooth and ensure long-term success. While the tooth does not become brittle from the root canal itself, it is often already weakened from decay, fractures, or large restorations that were present before treatment.
A crown reinforces the remaining tooth structure, helps distribute chewing forces evenly, and reduces the risk of cracking or breaking under heavy biting pressure. By protecting the tooth and restoring proper function, a crown significantly improves the longevity of root canal treatment.
16. Can you get a root canal on a crowned tooth?
Yes, root canal therapy can be performed through an existing crown as long as the crown and underlying tooth are still structurally sound. The endodontist creates a small opening through the crown, treats the root canal, and then the opening is evaluated and sealed by a restorative dentist so you can continue using the same crown if it is in good condition.
17. Do root canals get rid of infection?
Yes. Root canal therapy removes the source of infection from inside the tooth by cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system and sealing it to prevent bacteria from re-entering. Once the source is eliminated, the surrounding tissues are able to heal naturally, which is why symptoms such as pain and swelling typically resolve after treatment.
18. Can a root canal fail?
Yes, in some cases root canal treatment can fail. This may occur if bacteria persist within the tooth, if new bacteria enter through a crack or a leaking restoration, or if complex or hidden canals were not fully treated initially. When this happens, an endodontist can often save the tooth with retreatment or a minor root-end surgical procedure, rather than extraction.
19. Can I drive myself home after a root canal?
Most patients can drive themselves home after root canal therapy done with local anesthesia, because only the treated area is numb, and you remain fully awake and aware. If you receive oral sedation or stronger medications that affect alertness, you will need a responsible adult to drive you for safety.
20. How long does a root canal last?
With good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and a well fitting crown or filling, a root canal treated tooth can last for many years and often for the rest of your life. Failures are more likely when the tooth is not restored properly or when new decay or cracks allow bacteria back into the tooth.
21. Ready to get started?
Book a consultation to learn about your treatment options and see why over 2,500 patients have chosen us for their care. Referred by your dentist or coming to us directly, you’re always welcome here. Contact us online or text (703) 215-4122 for easy, same-day assistance.