Endodontics in Bogotá to relieve pain and save your tooth If you have intense pain, sensitivity, or inflammation, we can help eliminate the infection and preserve your tooth safely and without pain.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure performed to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth, clean and disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent future infection.

Inside every tooth there is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this inner layer — usually due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental procedures — the pulp can become infected or severely inflamed.

If left untreated, the infection may spread beyond the tooth into the surrounding bone.

During a root canal procedure:

1. The dentist creates a small access opening in the tooth.

2. The infected pulp is carefully removed.

3. The root canals are cleaned and shaped.

4. The canals are disinfected.

5. The space is sealed with a biocompatible material.

6. The tooth is restored, often with a crown, to protect it.

The primary goal is to save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and restore function without extraction.

When is a root canal necessary?

A root canal is needed when the pulp tissue inside the tooth is irreversibly damaged. Common causes include:

• Deep cavities that reach the nerve

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Dental trauma (even without visible damage)

• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

• Large fillings that compromise the tooth structure

• Untreated dental infection

Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

• Persistent toothache

• Severe pain when chewing

• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold

• Swelling around the gums

• Darkening of the tooth

• A small pimple-like bump on the gum (dental abscess)

In some cases, there may be no noticeable pain, but infection is detected on an X-ray. That is why a professional evaluation is essential.

Does a root canal hurt?

Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, meaning the procedure itself should not be painful.

In fact, most patients seek treatment because they are already experiencing significant discomfort due to infection. The purpose of the procedure is to eliminate the source of pain.

During treatment, you may feel mild pressure, but sharp pain is not expected.

After the procedure, it is common to experience:

• Mild tenderness when biting

• Slight inflammation

• Sensitivity for a few days

These symptoms are typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers and improve steadily.

The belief that root canals are extremely painful is based on outdated techniques. Today, with advanced technology and proper anesthesia, the experience is generally comfortable.

How long does a root canal take?

The duration of a root canal depends on several factors:

• The type of tooth (front tooth, premolar, molar)

• Number of root canals

• Complexity of root anatomy

• Presence of active infection

• Whether it is a retreatment case

On average:

• Front teeth: 45–60 minutes

• Premolars: 60–90 minutes

• Molars: 90 minutes or longer

Some cases can be completed in a single appointment, while others may require two visits, especially if infection control is necessary before final sealing.

Precision is more important than speed, as proper cleaning and sealing determine long-term success.

How long does pain last after a root canal?

Mild discomfort or sensitivity is common for 2–5 days following the procedure.

If there was significant infection prior to treatment, healing may take slightly longer. However, pain should gradually decrease each day.

You should contact your dentist if you experience:

• Increasing pain instead of improvement

• Severe swelling

• Fever

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Persistent pain beyond one week

In most cases, patients feel noticeable relief compared to the pain they had before treatment.

What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

Delaying or avoiding treatment can lead to serious consequences.

If the infected pulp is not removed:

• The infection can spread into the jawbone.

• A dental abscess may form.

• Swelling can extend into facial tissues.

• The tooth may eventually require extraction.

• Bone loss can occur around the tooth.

In severe cases, untreated dental infections may impact overall health.

Early intervention often allows the tooth to be saved and prevents more invasive and expensive procedures later.

When is a root canal considered urgent?

You should seek urgent dental care if you experience:

• Intense, throbbing pain

• Swelling in the gums or face

• Pain that interferes with sleep

• A bad taste from pus drainage

• Fever combined with dental pain

• Sudden sensitivity with pressure

These signs may indicate an active infection that requires immediate treatment to prevent complications.

Prompt care reduces the risk of abscess formation and systemic spread.

Is it better to extract the tooth instead of getting a root canal?

Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is the best option.

Extraction may seem faster, but it can lead to:

• Bone loss in the jaw

• Shifting of adjacent teeth

• Bite misalignment

• Need for implants or bridges

• Higher long-term costs

A properly performed root canal allows you to maintain natural chewing function and aesthetics.

Saving your own tooth is usually the most conservative and beneficial solution.

What should I avoid after a root canal?

After treatment, it is important to:

• Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side until fully restored

• Follow medication instructions carefully

• Maintain proper oral hygiene

• Attend follow-up appointments

• Place a permanent crown if recommended

A crown is often necessary to prevent fractures and restore full strength to the tooth.

What is root canal retreatment?

Retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth develops new infection or fails to heal properly.

Reasons may include:

• Incomplete cleaning during initial treatment

• Complex root anatomy

• New decay

• Crown leakage

• Fracture

During retreatment, the old filling material is removed, the canals are disinfected again, and the tooth is resealed.

This procedure aims to preserve the tooth without extraction.

Can a root canal fail?

While success rates are high, no dental procedure has a 100% guarantee.

Factors that may affect outcomes include:

• Undetected accessory canals

• Vertical root fractures

• Delayed restoration

• Severe pre-existing infection

With proper diagnosis, modern equipment, and correct restoration, long-term success rates are very favorable.

Does a root canal completely remove infection?

The goal of treatment is to eliminate infected tissue and seal the canal system to prevent reinfection.

Healing of the surrounding bone may take weeks or months to be visible on radiographs, even if symptoms resolve quickly.

Regular follow-ups help ensure proper healing and long-term stability.

How long does a root canal treated tooth last?

With appropriate restoration and care, a root canal treated tooth can last many years — often as long as your natural teeth.

Longevity depends on:

• Quality of final restoration

• Proper crown placement

• Oral hygiene habits

• Regular dental checkups

• Avoiding excessive bite force

The procedure does not “weaken” the tooth if it is restored properly.

What technology is used in modern root canal therapy?

Advanced endodontic procedures may include:

• Electronic apex locators

• Digital radiography

• Nickel-titanium rotary instruments

• Ultrasonic irrigation systems

• Bioceramic sealers

• Magnification or dental microscopes

These tools improve accuracy, cleaning efficiency, and treatment predictability.