Root canal treatment is completed in two or three sittings depending upon the diagnosis, the number of roots, and the severity of infection in the tooth. It can also be completed in 1 sitting (often called as single sitting RCT) if done by a root canal specialist.

A root canal treatment would typically undergo the below steps

1. Local anaesthesia is usually administered.
2. The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam to prevent contamination from saliva and to protect the patient.
3. An opening is made through the top of the tooth to gain entrance to the root canal system.
4. The pulp tissue is painlessly removed with special instruments called files.
5. Periodic radiographs (“x-rays”) or digital images must be taken to ensure that these instruments correspond to the exact length of the root so that the entire tissue can be removed. Electronic apex locators can be used as adjuncts to help determine or verify lengths.
6. The root canal is cleaned, enlarged, and shaped so that it can be filled or sealed properly.
7. Sometimes medications are placed in the opening to prevent infection between appointments.
8. If treatment cannot be completed in one visit, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening between appointments.
9.  At the final appointment, the canal is sealed to safeguard it from further contamination.
10. Permanent restoration of the tooth is accomplished after completion of the root canal treatment.

Mild discomfort can be expected in most cases which can be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller.

Required only for the highest risk patients.  The current recommendations of the American Heart Association (AHA, Dallas, TX) place increased emphasis on maintaining good oral Hygiene.

Most of endodontic infection do not require antibiotics.

Vital cases are often suitable for single-visit treatment. 

Teeth with non vital pulps and apical periodontitis are often more complex than vital case and require multiple sittings.

Extensive caries or trauma results in the inflamed or injured dental pulp and causes irreversible damage to it, to the extent that it may eventually die. Due to the ingress of bacteria from a cavity or saliva, the bone supporting the tooth will also be destroyed and may result in pain and swelling. Without endodontic treatment, the tooth will have to be removed.

Root canal therapy has a predictable prognosis if treatment is performed properly. As per the studies, root canal treatment is usually 90% to 95% successful.  It also should be considered that the prognosis may vary depending on the specifics of each case. The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and a sound restoration after root canal therapy can not be ignored without which treatment may not last long. The need for periodic follow-up must be addressed to assess the long term status of the tooth and peri radicular tissues.