When is a root canal needed?
Each tooth has soft tissue inside it called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it can become infected and painful. Signs that you may need a root canal include:
- A toothache that lingers or wakes you at night
- Pain when you bite or press on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that stays long after the drink is gone
- Swelling, or a tender pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened
Sometimes an infected tooth causes no pain at all, which is why we confirm with an examination and an X-ray rather than guessing.
What happens during the treatment
Examination and X-ray
We check the tooth, test how it responds and take an X-ray to see the roots and any infection.
Numbing and access
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic and a small opening is made in the top of the tooth.
Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and shaped.
Filling and sealing
The canals are filled and sealed, and the tooth is closed with a filling or prepared for a crown.
One visit or several?
Some teeth can be completed in a single visit. Others need more than one, for example when the infection is large or the canals are hard to clean. We tell you which to expect after examining the tooth.
A tooth that has had a root canal is often weaker than before, so your dentist may recommend a crown to protect it.
Is a root canal painful?
The treatment is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards, and your dentist will advise on medicines and aftercare. Severe or worsening pain, or swelling, after treatment is a reason to call us.
What affects the cost?
The cost depends on which tooth is treated (back teeth have more canals), how severe the infection is, whether you need a crown afterwards and whether an earlier treatment has to be redone. We give you an estimate after the examination, before treatment begins. To book, contact the clinic.
What if the tooth can't be saved?
If a tooth is too badly damaged, the alternative is extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant, a bridge or a denture. We'll explain which option suits your tooth and your mouth.
Common questions
How long does a root canal last?
With good aftercare, and a crown where one is advised, many root-canal-treated teeth last for many years. Regular check-ups let us spot problems early.
Can I go to work after a root canal?
Most people can return to normal activities the same day. Avoid chewing hard food on the treated side until the tooth is fully restored, and follow your dentist's advice.
What happens if I ignore the pain?
Infection can spread beyond the tooth, causing swelling and an abscess, and may lead to losing the tooth. Pain that eases on its own doesn't mean the infection has gone.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can tell you what your teeth need.