Root
Canal
Treatment

Root-Canal Treated Molar X-Ray
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment. Relieve the pain. Save the tooth.

Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when the nerve inside has become inflamed or infected. Despite its reputation, treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and is usually very comfortable.

During treatment, a small opening is made in the tooth and the inflamed or infected tissue is carefully removed from inside the root canals. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected and shaped before being sealed to help prevent bacteria from returning.

Root canal treatment may be completed over one or more appointments depending on the tooth and the nature of the infection. Once treatment is complete, the tooth is restored to protect it and allow you to use it normally again. In many cases, a crown may be recommended to provide additional protection for the tooth.

Comfortable treatment. Careful cleaning. A chance to keep your natural tooth.

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a procedure used to save a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. During treatment, the affected tissue is removed, the root canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed to help prevent further infection. The aim is to preserve your natural tooth rather than remove it.
Common signs include persistent toothache, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling around the gums, or a pimple-like bump near the affected tooth. Sometimes, a tooth requiring root canal treatment may cause little or no discomfort. Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays and perform tests to determine whether treatment is necessary.
Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Most patients can expect to feel pressure or vibration rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Some tenderness or discomfort afterwards may occur sometimes, and generally settles over the following days.
The time required depends on which tooth is being treated and the complexity of its root canals. Some teeth can be treated in a single appointment, while others require two or more visits. Molars generally take longer because they have more complex root canal systems. We'll explain the expected number of appointments before starting treatment.
Not every root canal-treated tooth requires a crown. However, back teeth and teeth with significant structural damage often benefit from a crown to provide additional protection against fracture. We'll assess how much healthy tooth structure remains and recommend an appropriate restoration to help maintain the tooth over the long term.
Where a tooth can be predictably restored, root canal treatment may allow you to keep your natural tooth and avoid the need for replacement. Extraction may be more appropriate when a tooth is severely damaged, fractured or has a poor long-term prognosis. We'll discuss the advantages, limitations and costs of each option so you can make an informed decision.