What it is
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds the tooth's nerve and blood supply. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. A root canal removes that tissue, cleans the canals inside the root, and seals them, so the tooth can stay in your mouth.
The treatment is done under local anaesthetic. Most people say it feels like a long filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the infection before treatment, not the treatment itself.
When you might need it
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold food has gone
- Pain when biting, or a tooth that feels "high"
- Swelling in the gum or face, or a small pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
Only an examination can confirm what a symptom means. If any of these sound familiar, book a consultation.
What happens at Tooth & Care
- DiagnosisExamination and an X-ray to see the roots and the extent of infection.
- Anaesthetic and accessThe tooth is numbed and a small opening is made to reach the canals.
- Cleaning and shapingThe canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped.
- SealingThe canals are filled and sealed; a temporary or permanent filling closes the tooth.
- Protecting the toothBack teeth usually need a crown afterwards so they don't crack.
How long it takes
Often one to three visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection there is.
Afterwards
- Some tenderness when biting for a few days is normal; Dr. Palak will advise on pain relief
- Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown is in place
- Keep the crown appointment: a root-treated back tooth without one is more likely to crack
- Message the clinic if swelling increases or pain gets worse instead of better
Questions patients ask
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness afterwards usually settles within a few days.
Why not just remove the tooth?
Keeping your own tooth usually chews better and avoids the cost and visits of replacing it with an implant, bridge or denture. Sometimes a tooth can't be saved, and you'll be told if that's the case.
Do I really need a crown after RCT?
On back teeth, usually yes. Root-treated teeth become more brittle, and a crown protects them from cracking.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Dr. Palak will advise you after examining your teeth.
