Endodontics

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed to treat problems inside the teeth, specifically the dental pulp. Below are some frequently asked questions patients may have about root canal treatment, along with their answers:

What is a root canal?

Endodontics is a procedure performed to remove inflamed or infected dental pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. The goal of endodontics is to save the tooth and avoid its extraction.

Why is a root canal performed?

Root canal treatments are performed on teeth with deep cavities, which cause inflammation or necrosis (death) of the dental pulp. Other reasons for the appearance of pulpitis or inflammation of the pulp are some traumas, abrasion, erosion and wear of the teeth due to friction between them (for example due to bruxism) or the way in which some restorative treatments are carried out and the materials used in them.

What does the endodontic procedure consist of?

During the root canal procedure, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the dental pulp. The dental pulp is then removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a special material and a dental crown is placed to protect it.

Is the root canal procedure painful?

Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so there should be no pain. In any case, this will also depend on each patient’s pain tolerance and the nervous or calm state they are in before undergoing the root canal treatment. It is normal to feel some tenderness or pain after the procedure, but this should disappear within a few days.

How long does the root canal procedure take?

The time it takes to perform a root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the number of root canals the tooth has. In general, the procedure can last between one and three hours.

What care should be taken after a root canal?

After a root canal treatment, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions to care for your tooth and avoid complications. This may include avoiding hard or sticky foods, brushing your teeth gently, and flossing carefully. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the tooth is healing properly.

What happens if a root canal treatment is not performed?

If it is not an inflamed or infected dental pulp, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. In addition, the tooth may die and require extraction. In some cases, the infection can spread to the jawbones and cause osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection.

What are the consequences of a poorly performed root canal?

If a root canal is performed incorrectly, there can be some negative consequences. These may include postoperative infection, fistula or abscess, tooth fracture, and tooth loss. There may also be pain or sensitivity when chewing, inflammation of the gum near the tooth, and intense discomfort.

What side effects can a root canal have?

In general, root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that has no serious side effects. However, you may experience some minor side effects, such as tooth sensitivity, swelling, or pain in the treated area. These side effects usually go away within a few days.

How can I avoid the negative consequences of root canal treatment?

To avoid the negative consequences of root canal treatment, it is important to seek dental care from a professional trained in endodontics. Be sure to follow all post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure your tooth is healing properly. If you experience any unusual symptoms after a root canal, such as severe pain or swelling, it is important to seek dental care immediately.

Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?

Yes, it is normal to feel some pain after a root canal treatment, since the adjacent anatomical structures (bone, periodontal ligament, blood vessels and nerves) suffer local inflammation as a result of the maneuvers performed by the endodontist. However, the pain should go away within a few days.

How long does the pain last after a root canal?

The length of time the pain lasts after a root canal treatment can vary depending on the patient and the complexity of the case. Generally, the pain should go away within a few days. If the pain persists or worsens, it is important to seek dental attention immediately.

What can I do to relieve pain after a root canal?

To relieve pain after a root canal, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions and take any prescribed medications as directed. It may also be helpful to apply ice to the affected area and avoid hard or sticky foods. If the pain persists or worsens, it is important to seek dental care immediately.

When should I worry about pain after a root canal?

If pain after a root canal persists or worsens after a few days, it is important to seek dental care right away. This may be indicative of complications, such as an infection or a tooth fracture. It is also important to seek dental care right away if you experience other symptoms, such as fever, increased or shortness of breath.

It is normal to experience some pain after a root canal, but this should go away within a few days. If the pain persists or worsens, it is important to seek dental care immediately to avoid complications.

What is endodontic retreatment and when should it be performed?

Root canal removal or retreatment is a procedure performed when a previous root canal treatment has not been effective or has failed. Indications for root canal removal include:

– Persistence of symptoms, such as pain, sensitivity or inflammation, after a previous root canal treatment.
– Developing periapical disease that does not resolve after a previous root canal treatment.
– Poor root filling after a previous endodontic treatment.
– Poor coronal restoration that has allowed bacteria to enter and caused an infection in the treated area.
– New cavities that have affected the treated area after a previous root canal treatment.
– Advanced periodontal disease that has affected the treated area after a previous root canal treatment.
– Cracked or fractured tooth that has affected the treated area after a previous root canal treatment.

Endodontic removal begins when a review of the patient’s medical history has been carried out, a good clinical analysis together with the necessary complementary tests have been carried out to obtain a definitive diagnosis. The treatment is carried out in three different phases: atraumatic removal of restorations and filling materials, location and preparation of the canals and filling of the canals. The essential conditions for carrying out an endodontic removal include an accurate examination, diagnosis and treatment plan.

In conclusion, endodontic retreatment is a procedure performed when a previous endodontic treatment has not been effective or has failed. Indications for endodontic retreatment include persistent symptoms, developing periapical disease, poor root filling, poor coronal restoration, new caries, advanced periodontal disease, and cracked or fractured teeth. Endodontic retreatment is initiated when a review of the patient’s medical history has been made, a good clinical analysis together with the necessary complementary tests have been carried out, and a definitive diagnosis has been obtained.

How long does a root canal removal last?

The length of time a root canal removal procedure takes can vary depending on the complexity of the case. On average, the procedure can take around 60 to 90 minutes. Endodontic removal begins when a review of the patient’s medical history has been carried out, a good clinical analysis together with the necessary complementary tests have obtained a definitive diagnosis.

The treatment is carried out in three distinct phases: atraumatic removal of restorations and filling materials, localization and preparation of the canals and filling of the canals.

It is important to note that root canal removal is a more complex procedure than the initial root canal treatment, but in many cases it offers a good chance of success.

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Dr. Johanna Calderón - Periodontics and Dental Implants

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Dra Johanna Calderón

Specialist in periodontics and dental implants. Our clinic has a multidisciplinary team of specialists providing comprehensive care in dental implants, periodontics, smile design, endodontics, and general dentistry.

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Last updated: 09/19/2026.

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