---
title: "Root canal treatment: does it hurt and how long does it take?"
url: "https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/259-root-canal-treatment-does-it-hurt-and-how-long-does-it-take"
language: "en"
description: "Does root canal treatment hurt and how many visits does it take? How it works, what is normal afterwards and what it costs at SF Dent in Izgrev, Sofia."
---

![Root canal treatment: does it hurt and how long does it take?](https://sfdent.eu/images/k26uhz5yUd3czgichPoqbLjxJqi32mHlJWeJGaCz-1050x650.webp)

4 October

- Posted on: 4 October 2026

# Root canal treatment: does it hurt and how long does it take?

**Root canal treatment usually does not hurt, because it is done under local anaesthetic: most patients feel pressure and vibration rather than pain, and the tooth may be tender for a few days afterwards. It most often takes two or more visits, and how long it takes depends on the number of canals and whether the tooth is infected.**

In short:

- Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp (the nerve) and seals the canals so the tooth can be kept.
- Anaesthetic makes the procedure itself tolerable; mild soreness afterwards is common and usually settles.
- Afterwards, back teeth often need a filling or a crown so they do not break.

This article is for people whose dentist has said "the nerve needs treating", or who have toothache and wonder what to expect. Details of the treatment at the clinic are on the [Root canal treatment](https://sfdent.eu/en/services/root-canal-treatment) page.

## What is root canal treatment?

Root canal (endodontic) treatment is a procedure in which the dentist removes the inflamed or dead pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the root canals and fills them with a sealing material. The aim is to stop the infection and keep your own tooth instead of extracting it.

The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury reaches it, it can become inflamed (pulpitis) or die. If left untreated, the infection can spread around the tip of the root (periodontitis) and lead to swelling or an abscess.

## When is root canal treatment needed?

Only a dentist can decide this, after an examination and usually an X-ray. Common signs that the nerve is affected are:

- severe or throbbing pain that wakes you at night;
- sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long after the trigger is gone;
- pain when biting or touching the tooth;
- darkening of the tooth after a knock;
- swelling or a "spot" on the gum next to the tooth.

Sometimes the inflammation causes no pain and is found by chance on an X-ray. That is why regular check-ups matter.

**Seek help the same day** if you have a fever, facial swelling that spreads quickly, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

## Does root canal treatment hurt?

For most people the pain is worse before treatment than during it. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake but should not feel pain. The UK's NHS states that you will usually be given a local anaesthetic for root canal treatment and will not feel any pain ([NHS – Root canal treatment](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/)).

In a badly inflamed tooth the anaesthetic sometimes takes longer to work. If you feel pain during treatment, tell the dentist; more anaesthetic can be given. On SF Dent's price list local anaesthesia is €11.00.

### Is it normal for it to hurt after root canal treatment?

Yes, mild tenderness when biting and a sensitive gum for a few days after treatment are common. They usually ease gradually. Your dentist will tell you which painkiller you can take. Call if the pain gets worse, if swelling appears or if the temporary filling falls out.

## How long does root canal treatment take?

Two or more visits are usually needed. The NHS notes that appointments typically last 1 to 2 hours, sometimes longer. The time depends on:

- **the number of canals**: front teeth most often have one canal, molars three or more;
- **the shape of the canals**: narrow or curved canals take more time;
- **infection**: if present, a medicated dressing and a temporary filling are often placed between visits;
- **retreatment**: if the canals were treated before and old material, a post or a broken instrument has to be removed, treatment takes longer.

## How does root canal treatment work, step by step?

1. **Examination and X-ray.** The dentist assesses the tooth and canals and explains the plan.
2. **Anaesthetic and isolation.** A local anaesthetic is given and the tooth is isolated to keep it dry and clean.
3. **Access and cleaning.** The pulp is removed, and the canals are shaped and widened with instruments and rinsed with disinfecting solutions.
4. **Medicated dressing (if needed).** If there is infection, medicine is placed in the canals and the tooth is closed with a temporary filling until the next visit.
5. **Filling the canals.** The canals are sealed tightly so bacteria cannot get back in.
6. **Restoring the tooth.** A filling is placed, and for more broken-down teeth a post and a crown.

## How much does root canal treatment cost?

The price depends on the number of canals and how many visits are needed. On SF Dent's price list, cleaning and shaping the root canals is €71.58 per tooth (however many canals it has), and filling 2 canals is €103.00, 3 canals €155.00 and 4 canals €205.00. A medicated dressing, a fibre post and anaesthesia are separate lines.

| Service | Price |
| --- | --- |
| Examination | 30.00€ |
| Local anesthesia administration | 11.00€ |
| Root canal cleaning and shaping | 71.58€ |
| Medicated inlay and temporary filling placement | 31.00€ |
| Filling of 1 root canal | 52.00€ |
| Filling of 2 root canals | 103.00€ |
| Filling of 3 root canals | 155.00€ |
| Filling of 4 root canals | 205.00€ |
| Laser root canal treatment | 82.00€ |
| Fiber post placement | 62.00€ |

Prices are from the clinic’s price list. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed after an examination. [See the full price list](https://sfdent.eu/en/pricing)

After the examination and X-ray you will know how many canals the tooth has and the approximate price. The full list is on the [price list](https://sfdent.eu/en/pricing).

## Does the health fund cover root canal treatment?

Under the National Framework Agreement for dental activities 2026–2028, treatment of pulpitis or periodontitis is in the НЗОК (NHIF) package only for patients under 18, up to two treatments of a permanent tooth a year. For adults root canal treatment is not included in the package. There is more on what the fund covers in ["What does the health fund cover at the dentist in 2026"](https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/261-what-does-the-health-fund-cover-at-the-dentist-in-2026).

## What happens after root canal treatment?

A root-filled tooth no longer has living pulp and can become more brittle, especially if much of it was destroyed. For back teeth the dentist often recommends a crown to protect the tooth from fracture. We describe the differences between materials in ["Zirconia or metal-ceramic crowns"](https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/258-zirconia-or-metal-ceramic-crowns-which-should-you-choose).

After treatment:

- do not chew on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown is in place;
- brush and floss as usual;
- come to your check-ups so healing can be followed on X-rays.

## Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?

The only real alternative for a tooth with irreversibly inflamed or dead pulp is extraction. After an extraction the gap usually needs to be filled with a bridge or an implant so the neighbouring teeth do not shift. So when a tooth can be saved, root canal treatment is most often the first choice. Whether the tooth can be saved is something the dentist judges after an examination.

## When should you call a dentist?

If you have pain that wakes you at night, lasting sensitivity to hot and cold, or swelling of the gum, do not wait for the pain to go away on its own; that often means the inflammation is progressing. Book on +359 87 666 2785 or read more on the [Root canal treatment](https://sfdent.eu/en/services/root-canal-treatment) page. SF Dent is at 22 Elemag St in Izgrev, Sofia, and is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many visits does root canal treatment take?

Most often two or more. A tooth with one canal and no infection is sometimes finished faster, while molars with several canals, infection or retreatment need more visits. The dentist can tell you the exact number after an examination and an X-ray.

### How long does a tooth hurt after root canal treatment?

Mild tenderness when biting usually lasts a few days and eases gradually. If the pain gets worse, swelling or a fever appears, or the pain does not go away, contact your dentist so the tooth can be checked.

### Can I eat after root canal treatment?

You can eat once the anaesthetic has fully worn off, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Until a permanent filling or crown is in place, avoid chewing hard food on the side of the treated tooth, because it could break.

### Why is a crown recommended after root canal treatment?

A root-filled tooth has often lost a lot of structure and is more brittle, especially a back tooth. A crown covers it completely and lowers the risk of fracture. Whether one is needed, the dentist decides based on how much healthy tooth is left.

### Does НЗОК (NHIF) cover root canal treatment?

Under the National Framework Agreement 2026–2028, treatment of pulpitis or periodontitis is in the НЗОК package only for patients under 18. For adults it is not included and is paid according to the clinic's price list.

#### Read More

- [Zirconia or metal-ceramic crowns: which should you choose?](https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/258-zirconia-or-metal-ceramic-crowns-which-should-you-choose)
- [What does the health fund cover at the dentist in 2026?](https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/261-what-does-the-health-fund-cover-at-the-dentist-in-2026)

#### Related treatments

You have read about it — see how we treat it at the clinic.

- [Root canal treatment (endodontics)](https://sfdent.eu/en/services/root-canal-treatment)
- [General dentistry](https://sfdent.eu/en/services/general-dentistry)

[See all treatments](https://sfdent.eu/en/services)