ROOT CANAL THERAPY

What is a Root Canal Therapy ?

Our teeth are sensitive to hot and cold because each one contains a nerve inside its root. When a deep cavity or decay reaches the nerve, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected—causing pain, sensitivity, and eventually swelling or abscess if left untreated.

In this case, a root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth. The procedure involves carefully removing the nerve, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent further infection.

When Do I Need A Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if you’re experiencing deep pain in a tooth, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a darkening of the tooth. In many cases, a root canal is required when decay reaches the nerve or when an infection develops inside the tooth. X-rays and a clinical exam will help determine if this treatment is needed.

At Khoury Dental Clinic in Beirut, all root canal treatments are performed by a specialized endodontist, not a general dentist. Cleaning the inside of a root canal is a delicate and complex process that requires high-precision instruments, magnification, and years of experience.

Root canal FAQ ? We’ve got you covered.

After your root canal, it’s normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity in the area for a few days. This is your body’s natural response to the cleaning and healing process. Most patients return to their normal routine the same day. If needed, we may recommend pain relievers to ease any discomfort.

Yes, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. In some cases, the tenderness can last for a week or even longer. This is especially common in patients who grind or clench their teeth (a condition called bruxism) or if the tooth remains inflamed or sensitive after the treatment. These symptoms usually improve with time. If the discomfort gets worse or doesn’t go away, we’ll be happy to check it for you.

Antibiotics are not routinely given after a root canal. However, if there is swelling that spreads to your jaw, face, or neck—or if there are signs of an active infection beyond the tooth—we may prescribe antibiotics to help your body fight the infection. In most cases, the treatment alone is enough and antibiotics are not necessary.

At Khoury Dental Clinic, we refer all root canal cases to a trusted specialist in endodontics to ensure the highest level of precision, for easy or complex canals. Specialists use advanced tools and techniques that improve success rates and minimize the risk of complications. This guarantees the best long-term result for your tooth.

Not always. While a crown is usually recommended—especially for molars and premolars that handle a lot of chewing pressure—it’s not mandatory in every case. If, after cleaning the decay, the remaining tooth structure is still strong and enough enamel is preserved, we may be able to restore the tooth with a composite filling or a ceramic inlay instead of a full crown.
The final decision is made after removing all the decay and assessing the strength of the tooth. Your dentist will always recommend the most suitable option for long-term durability and protection.

That’s a great and common question. Even though the nerve inside the tooth is removed during a root canal (so you won’t feel cold, hot, or sharp pain anymore), the tooth is still surrounded by tissues that feel pressure, like the ligament that holds it in the bone. So, you may still feel pain or discomfort when biting or chewing. The tooth isn’t completely “numb” forever—it just no longer reacts to temperature, but pressure and tension are still felt.

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