Root Canal Treatment

What is root canal treatment?

The pulp at the centre of a tooth contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, fractures or trauma can cause irreversible inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue and cleans, shapes and fills the canals.

The aim is to control the infection and preserve a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. Treatment time varies because root anatomy differs between teeth.

Which signs may require assessment?

• Spontaneous or night-time toothache
• Sensitivity that lingers after hot or cold
• Pain on biting or touching the tooth
• Swelling or a recurring pimple on the gum
• A discoloured or traumatised tooth
• An infection visible on an X-ray without symptoms

Treatment stages

1. Diagnosis is made through examination and imaging.
2. Local anaesthetic is used and the tooth is isolated.
3. Inflamed or infected tissue is removed from the canals.
4. The canals are shaped, disinfected and filled.
5. The tooth is restored with a filling or crown according to remaining structure.

After treatment and restoration

Mild tenderness on biting may occur for a few days. Avoid hard foods on a temporary filling and do not delay the final restoration. Contact the clinic if pain or swelling increases or the temporary filling is lost.