Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and lets you keep a tooth that would otherwise need to come out.
Signs you may need one
- Pain with hot or cold that lingers after the drink is gone
- Pain when biting or chewing on one tooth
- Throbbing toothache that wakes you at night
- A swollen gum or a pimple-like bump near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened after a knock or injury
- A very deep cavity or a broken tooth that reaches the nerve
Some infected teeth cause no pain at all and only show up on an X-ray, which is one reason regular check-ups matter.
What happens, step by step
- Examination and X-ray
We examine the tooth, take an X-ray and confirm that root canal treatment is the right option before anything starts.
- Numbing
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. The aim of the treatment is to relieve pain, not cause it.
- Cleaning the canals
A small opening is made in the tooth. The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. If there is active infection, medicine may be left inside under a temporary filling between visits.
- Filling and sealing
Once the canals are clean, they are filled and sealed so bacteria cannot get back in.
- Protecting the tooth
A back tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle, so it usually needs a crown. Front teeth may only need a filling.
How many visits? Usually one to three visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection there is.
Afterwards
- Some tenderness for a few days is normal; it settles on its own or with ordinary pain relief.
- Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until the final crown or filling is in place.
- Brush and floss normally.
- Call us if swelling increases, pain gets worse instead of better, or the temporary filling falls out.
When to get help quickly. Facial swelling that is spreading, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing needs urgent attention: call us straight away, or go to a hospital emergency department.
Doctors who provide root canal treatment
Questions about root canal treatment
Does root canal treatment hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so it should feel much like having a filling. Most people come in with pain and leave with less of it.
Why do I need a crown afterwards?
A treated back tooth has lost much of its inner structure and can crack under chewing forces. A crown holds it together. We will tell you whether your tooth needs one.
Is it better to just pull the tooth out?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better choice when it can be restored. A gap lets neighbouring teeth drift and then needs an implant, bridge or denture to fill it. We will explain both options and what each involves.
How long will the tooth last?
With a good final restoration and normal brushing, flossing and check-ups, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years.
Clinical content reviewed by Dr. Navin Sah. This page explains the treatment in general terms. Your own plan is decided after an examination.
Ready for a healthier smile?
Book online, send a WhatsApp message or call. We are open 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM, every day.