Root Canal Treatment
Gentle root canal care that saves your natural tooth.
About this treatment
Every tooth contains a chamber of nerve and blood vessel tissue: the pulp. If that tissue becomes inflamed or infected — through deep decay, a crack or trauma — the inflammation does not resolve on its own.
In root canal treatment the affected tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the inside of the tooth is sealed. The aim is to resolve the symptoms and keep your own tooth rather than extract it.
After root canal treatment the tooth has to be restored from above. A crown is often needed for this, because a treated tooth is more brittle than a healthy one.
Who this may suit
This is not a diagnosis. Whether a treatment is appropriate in your situation can only be established during an in-person examination. A conversation may be worthwhile if you recognize the following:
- Persistent toothache, or pain that lingers after hot or cold
- A tooth that hurts on biting or when touched
- Swelling or an abscess in the gum around a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
For anyone with tooth pain or infection who wants to save the natural tooth rather than lose it.
Examination and treatment process
The process differs from patient to patient. In broad terms it looks like this:
Examination and radiograph
We establish which tooth is causing the symptoms and use a radiograph to assess the roots and surrounding bone. Not every toothache calls for root canal treatment.
Anaesthetic and isolation
The tooth is anaesthetized and isolated with a rubber dam, so that saliva and bacteria cannot reach the canals during treatment.
Cleaning and disinfecting
The inflamed tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. More than one appointment is sometimes needed for this.
Sealing and restoring
The canals are filled and sealed and the tooth is built back up. We then assess whether a crown is needed to protect it.
Limitations and realistic expectations
- Root canal treatment does not always succeed. Canals can be sharply curved, branched or calcified, making them impossible to clean completely.
- The inflammation can return, even years later. Retreatment, a surgical procedure or eventual extraction may then be needed.
- A treated tooth is more brittle and can fracture without a proper build-up or crown.
- The tooth can darken in colour over time.
- In some situations the tooth cannot be saved. That sometimes only becomes apparent during treatment.
Aftercare and maintenance
- The tooth can be tender on biting for a few days; this usually settles.
- Use the tooth gently until the definitive restoration or crown is in place.
- Have the tooth reviewed as agreed, even once the symptoms have gone.
- Get in touch if pain increases, or if there is swelling or fever.
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information, not medical advice or a treatment plan. Whether a treatment is suitable and feasible depends on your oral health, the clinical situation and an examination at the practice. Outcomes, duration and cost differ from patient to patient. If you have acute symptoms, pain or a dental emergency, call the practice directly rather than using the contact form.