How to Say "Root Canal" in French

traitement de canal

The English phrase 'root canal' is translated into French as traitement de canal.

The term refers to a surgical operation performed on a root canal.

Meaning: surgical operation on a root canal (noun)

Which one should you use?

More technical or formal terms may be used in professional medical contexts.

While traitement de canal is the literal description, if you are at a dentist in France, you might simply hear the term dévitalisation dentaire. This refers to the process of removing the tooth's nerve, which is the core of the procedure.
In France, dental care is partially reimbursed by the state, but a traitement de canal often requires a supplemental private insurance called a mutuelle to cover the full cost.
The word canal in French has a twin, the word chenal, which is a doublet sharing the same Latin root. While canal usually refers to an artificial waterway or a medical tube, chenal is specifically used for a channel in a river or sea.

Mon dentiste m'a recommandé une dévitalisation dentaire . Je suis un peu nerveux à ce sujet.
My dentist recommended a root canal. I'm a bit nervous about it.
J'ai entendu dire que la dévitalisation était très coûteuse en France.
I heard that root canals are very expensive in France.
Je dois me faire faire un traitement de canal.
I have to have a root canal done.
Il doit faire un traitement de canal.
He needs to have a root canal.
Le traitement de canal est terminé.
The root canal treatment is finished.
Je redoute ce traitement de canal.
I am dreading this root canal treatment.

Hugo and Emma are talking about a dental appointment.

Hugo

Pourquoi as-tu rendez-vous chez le dentiste ?
Why do you have a dentist appointment?
Emma

Je dois faire un traitement de canal.
I have to have a root canal.
Hugo

Oh non, c'est vraiment embêtant, Emma.
Oh no, that's really annoying, Emma.
Emma

Oui, mais j'ai très mal à la dent.
Yes, but my tooth hurts a lot.

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