Root canal visits: the number of canals sets time and cost

A front tooth usually has one canal and can often be treated in a single visit. A large back tooth usually has three canals or more and often needs 2 to 3 visits. Your own number of visits can only be set once the dentist has taken an X-ray and seen how inflamed the tooth is.

This article is by Dr Trần Hà My, BS.CKI (specialist level I, a postgraduate clinical qualification in Vietnam), who does root canal treatment and children’s dentistry at An Nhiên.

Why a root canal is needed

Inside each tooth is the pulp: soft tissue with blood vessels and nerves that runs down the root inside the root canal (the channel that holds the pulp). When a large cavity, a crack or a knock leaves the pulp inflamed or infected, the dentist may suggest root canal treatment: removing the pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals, and sealing them so the tooth can be kept.

Not every painful tooth needs a root canal, and not every tooth can be kept. The dentist explains the options after the exam and X-ray.

How many canals each tooth has

From a summary by dentist Paul Cotner on Animated-Teeth, which cites the endodontic literature (reviewed 10 January 2025):

The same article stresses that tooth anatomy varies a lot between people. A tooth that “usually” has one canal can have two. That is why the dentist takes an X-ray before quoting for a tooth with several canals.

How many visits

A typical sequence: at the first visit, a local anaesthetic, opening into the pulp chamber, removing the pulp, cleaning, placing a medicine and a temporary filling. At the next visit, further cleaning if needed, then sealing the canals. Finally, the crown of the tooth is restored with a filling or a crown. More canals, curved canals or heavier inflammation make an extra visit more likely.

Reference prices by tooth

All read on 5 October 2026. What they share: the price follows the number of roots or canals, and usually leaves out the final restoration.

At An Nhiên, root canal treatment of a one-canal tooth (a front tooth) starts from 1,200,000 VND per tooth. Teeth with several canals are quoted by the number of canals after an X-ray. Not included: the crown after treatment, and X-rays. These are starting prices from the price list updated on 4 October 2026, final after the dentist’s exam. See the price list.

When a crown follows

A tooth that has had a root canal has often lost a lot of structure, especially after a large cavity. The NHS says a crown may be needed if the tooth was badly infected; Cleveland Clinic describes a permanent crown placed after treatment to protect the tooth, and advises not biting hard on it until the crown is on. For back teeth that take chewing forces, a crown is often suggested; for a front tooth with plenty of structure left, a filling is sometimes enough. The dentist decides based on what remains of the tooth.

At An Nhiên, crowns per tooth: metal-ceramic from 1,500,000 VND, full zirconia (a solid ceramic) from 3,500,000 VND, premium ceramic from 6,000,000 VND. Not included: root canal treatment, post and core, X-rays. Starting prices as listed on 4 October 2026, final after the exam. Details are on the crowns page.

What it feels like, during and after

You get a local anaesthetic first. During treatment you may feel pressure or tightness. The dentist asks how you feel and stops when you ask.

Afterwards the tooth may feel sore or tender for a few days, especially when you bite. Cleveland Clinic notes that most people recover in less than a week. It differs from person to person. If your face swells, you get a fever or the pain keeps increasing: call 0963 929 241 during opening hours; out of hours, or if breathing or swallowing is hard, call 115 or go to the nearest emergency department.

An illustration

Chị Kiều Anh brings her son bé Tôm, 7, because of a decayed baby tooth. He is often scared of dentists. She asks: “Will he need an extraction? Can I sit next to him?”

The second question has an immediate answer: yes, a parent stays in the room throughout. The first does not. Baby teeth are handled differently from adult teeth, and the dentist can only choose between a filling, pulp treatment or an extraction after the exam and, if needed, an X-ray. The first visit can be just getting to know each other: Dr Hà My lets him hold a mirror to look at his own teeth, and nothing is done before he is ready.

An illustration for a demo site; the people and figures are fictional.

How we do it at An Nhiên

• Dr Hà My takes an X-ray before quoting for a tooth with several canals, and shows you the canals on the image.
• The first visit is 60 minutes. She tells you the expected number of visits, and says so if another is needed.
• If the tooth will need a crown, she says so at the start, so the quote covers both parts.
• No deposit is needed for root canal treatment.

You can book with Dr Hà My, read her profile, see the root canal page, or the children’s dentistry page if you are booking for a child. Eight things to check before choosing where to be treated are in choosing a dental clinic.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination and diagnosis by a dentist.