Inside each tooth is soft tissue (the pulp) containing nerves and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes inflamed through deep decay, a crack or a blow, pain and abscesses can develop. Root canal treatment removes the inflamed tissue, shapes and fills the canals, and keeps the tooth instead of extracting it.
Which symptoms may mean you need one?
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold
- Throbbing that starts on its own and worsens at night
- Pain when biting
- Swelling or a pimple-like discharge on the gum
- Darkening of the tooth
Sometimes a tooth needing root canal treatment has no symptoms and is spotted on a routine X-ray.
How is it done?
- The tooth is numbed and isolated from saliva.
- Decay and inflamed tissue are removed; the canals are shaped and disinfected with special instruments.
- The canals are filled with a biocompatible material.
- The tooth is strengthened with a filling or, if needed, a crown.
Treatment is usually completed in 1–2 visits.
Afterwards
Mild tenderness when biting may last a few days. Root-filled teeth can be more brittle, so a crown may be recommended, especially for back teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic and is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling. The real pain comes from the inflammation before treatment.
Isn't it better to extract the tooth?
Keeping your own tooth is usually the best option. A missing tooth needs to be replaced with an implant or bridge, which is a longer and more involved process.