When you need a
Root canal treatment
A root canal treatment may be needed to remove either a live nerve (root inflammation) or a dead, bacteria-filled nerve (root tip inflammation).
A Brief Overview of Root Canal Treatment
When should my tooth be root canal treated?
The need for root canal treatment usually arises when a large hole in the tooth reaches through the dentin and into the nerve.
Root canal treatment may also be necessary if there was previously a deep hole in the tooth and the filling is close to the nerve, causing pain.
In case of accidents and falls where the tooth is hit or if the tooth breaks unintentionally, root canal treatment may also be necessary.
Pain before a root canal treatment
You may experience pain from the nerve of the tooth, but you may also experience pain due to inflammation around the root tip because the inflammation is trapped in a cavity and can't get out.
In teeth that have been treated with a crown or bridge, the dental pulp may die, and bacteria may subsequently invade the dead tissue, making root canal treatment necessary.
Root inflammation
Inflammation of the nerve can cause toothache. The pain is perceived differently from person to person. The toothache can feel like pain in the neighboring teeth, ear, jaw cavity or be perceived as a headache. As a result, it can be difficult to locate the affected tooth. A nerve inflammation typically causes pain in cold and heat.
Root tip inflammation
The inflammation may be hidden and therefore cause little or no discomfort. The tooth may be sore or feel 'too high' to chew. The tooth may also change color or there may be a small abscess. A root canal infection has the risk of developing into a painful swelling/boil, possibly with fever.
How is root canal treatment performed?
The dentist will apply a local anesthetic and drill a hole in the tooth to access the nerve. In most cases, root canal treatment is painless, but you can always ask for more anesthesia if you need it. The tooth is often protected during treatment with a small rubber sheet. The length of the root is determined using an X-ray and electronic measuring equipment.
The nerve and any bacteria are removed and cleaned out with a root file and disinfectant fluids. In some cases, the treatment can be done in one visit, but two or more visits may be necessary. In this case, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
The tooth root is filled with a plastic root-filling material and root-filling cement. An X-ray is used to verify that the root filling is tight.
Finally, a plastic filling is placed, and you will discuss with your dentist when the tooth should be fitted with a crown.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to supplement with painkillers and/or antibiotics. However, antibiotics will not remove a bacteria-filled tooth nerve, so it's important to understand that they alone cannot replace a root canal.
The time after root canal treatment
It's completely normal to experience pain after a root canal treatment. It can last from a few days to a week. Fortunately, very few people experience severe pain, but if you experience persistent or increasing pain, you should contact us.
Root canal treatment is successful in 80–95% of cases. The outcome depends on several factors, including the type of inflammation present before treatment begins. We recommend monitoring the tooth with X-rays, as a root-end resection (a minor surgical procedure) may be necessary for some patients at a later stage.
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is also a weakened tooth with a high risk of fracturing. Therefore, we recommend that a crown be placed on the tooth afterward.
What does a root canal treatment cost?
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth needs root canal treatment. This is because your front teeth usually have one canal, while your molars can have up to four canals.
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What does a root canal treatment cost?
Prisen afhænger af, hvor mange rodkanaler tanden har. En fortand har oftest kun én kanal, mens en kindtand kan have op til fire. Derfor betaler du for den første kanal og derefter for hver ekstra kanal, der skal renses og fyldes.
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Priserne er vejledende og opdateret 15. september 2026.
See also our other treatments
When a tooth continues to show signs of inflammation around the root, even though the tooth is...
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
A root canal treatment removes either a living nerve (pulpitis) or a dead, bacteria-filled nerve (apical periodontitis). The nerve and any bacteria are removed, the root canals are cleaned with root files and disinfectant solutions, and finally filled so that the tooth can be saved.
Does a root canal hurt?
The dentist will administer a local anesthetic, and in the vast majority of cases, root canal treatment is painless. You should always ask for more anesthetic during the procedure if you need it.
How long does the pain last after a root canal?
It is completely normal to experience pain after a root canal. The pain can last from a few days to up to a week. Very few people experience severe pain, but if the pain persists or worsens, please contact us.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is a weakened tooth with a higher risk of fracturing. For this reason, we often recommend that the tooth be fitted with a crown afterward to protect it.
How often is root canal treatment successful?
Root canal treatment is successful in 80–95% of cases. The outcome depends on several factors, including the type of infection present before treatment begins. We recommend monitoring the tooth with X-rays.
What does a root canal treatment cost?
The price depends on which tooth is undergoing root canal treatment, because front teeth usually have one root canal, while molars can have up to four. You can view our prices on our pricing page.
