Prevention and essential care
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp, the tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected. The canals are cleaned, disinfected and sealed so the natural tooth can stay. It is done under local anaesthetic.
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic
- Visits
- One or more
- Appointment length
- Usually 60 to 90 minutes
- Afterwards
- The tooth is protected with a filling, onlay or crown
What is it?
Deep decay, a crack or an injury can reach the pulp inside the tooth and cause inflammation or infection. In root canal treatment the pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, disinfected and then sealed. Treatment is usually completed in one or two visits.
It is natural to feel uneasy about a root canal, but under local anaesthetic the procedure is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling, and an appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Any tenderness afterwards generally eases within a few days, sometimes up to a couple of weeks.
Root-filled teeth can become more brittle over time, so protecting the tooth afterwards with a filling, an onlay or a crown is often recommended. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing and the alignment of neighbouring teeth.
When can it be considered?
- Deep decay reaching the pulp
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold (needs examination)
- Swelling or an abscess around a tooth
- Teeth affected by an injury
- Situations identified before a crown or bridge
Examination and planning
Symptoms alone are not enough for a diagnosis; the tooth is assessed with an examination, X-rays and pulp tests when needed. The chances of saving the tooth are discussed in light of how much healthy tooth and root remain.
In some cases with complex canals or unclear findings, 3D imaging may be requested. How the tooth will be protected after treatment is part of the plan.
How the process works
Examination and X-rays
The tooth and treatment options are assessed.
Anaesthesia and isolation
Local anaesthetic is given and the tooth isolated from saliva.
Cleaning the canals
The pulp is removed and the canals shaped and disinfected.
Root filling
The canals are filled and sealed.
Final restoration
The tooth is protected with a filling, onlay or crown.
Follow-up
Healing can be followed with X-rays at intervals.
Digital tools that may be used
- Digital X-rays
- Used to assess root anatomy and the root filling.
- 3D imaging
- Requested only for complex cases when it adds needed information.
- Intraoral scan
- Captures the tooth for an onlay or crown after treatment.
Aftercare
Recommended
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off
- Use the recommended pain relief as directed
- Have the permanent restoration done when planned
Best avoided
- Chewing hard foods on the tooth before the final restoration
- Postponing the final restoration for a long time
Whether a treatment suits you can only be decided after an examination. Timelines and stages vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic and is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling. Tenderness for a few days afterwards is common and usually managed with the recommended medication. If you need a pause at any point, just raise your hand.
How many visits does it take?
Most treatments are completed in one or two visits. The number of canals, the infection and the tooth’s anatomy all play a part.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Not always. If enough healthy tooth remains, a filling or onlay may be enough; a crown is often advised for back teeth with a lot of tooth lost.
How long does a root-treated tooth last?
With a good final restoration and home care, root-treated teeth can last many years. Regular check-ups help catch any problems early.
Related articles
Inlays and Onlays Explained: Filling vs Inlay/Onlay vs Crown
Choosing between a filling, an inlay or onlay and a crown depends mainly on how much healthy tooth remains. Here are the differences, how ceramic restorations are made and what studies show.
Veneers or Crowns? How the Right Restoration Is Chosen
A veneer and a crown are different restorations, and zirconia is a material rather than a treatment. This guide untangles the terms and explains the clinical factors behind the choice.
Related treatments
All treatments- premolars, molarsInlays and OnlaysCeramic or composite pieces designed from a digital scan and bonded to teeth with damage too large for a filling but not yet needing a crown.
- incisors, canines, premolars, molarsCrowns and BridgesCrowns that cover the whole tooth and bridges that replace a missing tooth using the neighbouring teeth, made from materials such as zirconia or glass-ceramic.
- incisors, canines, premolars, molarsGum TreatmentStep-by-step care for inflamed gums and gum disease, from scaling and polishing to subgingival scaling and root planing, a deep clean of the root surfaces.
Questions about root canal treatment?
You can send your questions on WhatsApp or reach the practice by phone.