The goal of root canal treatment is simple: keeping your tooth
When the nerve of a tooth is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is often the way to keep the tooth instead of extracting it.
What it is
Treatment removes the inflamed or infected tissue from the root canals; the canals are cleaned, disinfected and sealed to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored so it can function normally.
Common symptoms and situations
- Strong or throbbing toothache
- Lingering pain with hot food or drinks
- Pain on pressure or chewing
- A swelling on the gum next to a tooth
- Darkening of a tooth after trauma
Sometimes a tooth with a dead nerve doesn't hurt — the problem is found at a check-up or on an X-ray.
What happens at the consultation
Diagnosis follows an examination and an X-ray. We discuss the tooth's prognosis honestly — root canal treatment is undertaken when it makes sense for the tooth's long-term survival.
How treatment works
- Diagnosis and anaesthesia
- Isolating the tooth
- Cleaning and shaping the root canals
- Disinfection and sealing
- Restoring the tooth (a filling or crown depending on the damage)
Approximate stages
Usually 1–2 visits; complex anatomy or infection may need more. The exact number depends on your case.
Benefits and limitations
Successful root canal treatment lets a tooth serve for many more years. A treated tooth is more brittle and often needs a crown. As with any treatment, the outcome depends on the individual case and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Alternative options
For a tooth that cannot be treated, the alternative is extraction followed by a replacement (bridge, denture or implant). We always discuss the options before a decision is made.
Aftercare
Mild tenderness for a few days after treatment is normal. It's important the tooth receives its final restoration within the agreed time so it stays protected.
Treatment suitability and results depend on your individual clinical case and are determined after an examination.
Questions about this service
Is root canal treatment painful?
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia and most patients compare it to having a larger filling placed. If you feel discomfort, we stop and adjust the anaesthesia.
Is a crown always needed after root canal treatment?
Not always, but it's often recommended for back teeth because a treated tooth is more brittle. The recommendation depends on how much healthy structure remains.