When decay or a crack reaches the nerve inside a tooth, it can become inflamed or infected and very painful. Root canal treatment removes the damaged nerve, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and lets you keep it.
Root canals have an unfair reputation. With modern anaesthetic the treatment itself feels much like having a filling, and it is usually the end of the pain, not the start of it.
What to expect
Diagnosis
An examination and X-ray confirm whether the nerve is affected and whether the tooth can be saved.
Numbing and cleaning
The tooth is numbed, then the infected nerve is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
Sealing
The canals are filled and sealed to keep bacteria out.
Protecting the tooth
Back teeth often need a crown afterwards to protect them from breaking.
Why it matters
- Relieves severe toothache caused by an infected or inflamed nerve.
- Saves your natural tooth, which is almost always better than removing it.
- Stops infection from spreading to the jaw and surrounding tissues.
When to come in
- Throbbing or lingering toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the trigger is gone
- Swelling or a pimple on the gum near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened
Common questions
Is a root canal painful?
With proper anaesthetic, most patients say it feels similar to having a filling. It is the infection that causes pain; the treatment relieves it.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Usually one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present.
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better long-term choice for chewing and for the health of neighbouring teeth. We will talk through both options honestly, including cost.