A root canal has an unfair reputation. Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, and it is the procedure that relieves the pain, not the one that causes it.
When the soft pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal removes the problem and seals the tooth, allowing you to keep your natural tooth for many more years instead of losing it to extraction.
What is a root canal?
Inside every tooth is a chamber of soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing infection and severe pain. Left untreated, the infection can spread into the jawbone and form an abscess.
During root canal treatment we clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the canals, and fill and seal them. The tooth is then protected with a crown so it can function normally again.
Signs you may need a root canal
Not every infected tooth hurts, which is why regular check-ups matter. Common warning signs include:
- ✓Persistent or throbbing toothache, especially at night
- ✓Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the stimulus is gone
- ✓Pain when biting or chewing
- ✓Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- ✓Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
Why save the tooth?
Nothing looks or works quite like your natural tooth. Saving it with a root canal means:
- ✓Immediate relief from infection pain
- ✓Natural chewing and biting efficiency is preserved
- ✓No gap, so neighbouring teeth don't drift
- ✓Usually quicker and more affordable than extraction plus replacement
After your treatment
The tooth may feel tender for a few days, which settles with simple painkillers. Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final crown is fitted, because a root-treated tooth without a crown is more likely to crack.
Keep brushing and flossing as normal. A properly treated and crowned tooth can last a lifetime.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Diagnosis & X-ray
We examine the tooth and take a digital X-ray to see the shape of the canals and the extent of infection.
- 2
Numbing & access
The area is completely numbed, and a small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp.
- 3
Cleaning & shaping
Using rotary instruments, the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
- 4
Filling & sealing
The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent re-infection.
- 5
Crown
A crown is placed to restore strength and protect the tooth for the long term.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
With modern anaesthesia and rotary instruments, most patients feel little more than they would during a filling. The treatment removes the source of pain.
Can it be done in a single visit?
Many root canals are completed in one visit. Teeth with severe infection or complex canals may need a second appointment.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth almost always need a crown because they take heavy chewing forces. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling alone.
What if I choose extraction instead?
Extraction is possible, but the gap should then be replaced with an implant or bridge to prevent teeth from shifting and bone loss.
At DMall Dental Care, we take pride in our patient-centered approach, using cutting-edge technology to ensure precise and pain-free treatments. We're dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.