About This Treatment
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a procedure to save a tooth that has become badly infected or damaged. Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this becomes infected through deep decay, cracks, or trauma, it can cause severe pain and abscess. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
What to Expect
Local anaesthetic to ensure complete comfort
Rubber dam placed to keep the tooth clean and dry
Removal of infected pulp tissue
Cleaning and shaping of the root canals
Canals filled and sealed with a special material
Usually completed in 1-2 visits
A crown may be recommended to protect the treated tooth
Recovery & Aftercare
You may experience some tenderness for a few days after treatment, managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The tooth should settle down within a week. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until any temporary filling has been replaced with a permanent restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
How long does it take?
Most root canal treatments take 1-2 appointments of 60-90 minutes each, depending on the complexity.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
In most cases, yes. A crown protects the treated tooth from fracture and restores it to full function.
What's the alternative?
The only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. We always try to save natural teeth where possible.