When is a root canal needed
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes infected and painful.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it. This saves your natural tooth instead of removing it.
Common signs
- Strong or throbbing tooth pain, especially at night.
- Pain on biting or chewing.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers.
- Swelling of the gum or face near the tooth.
- A darkened tooth.
What happens during treatment
- We take an X-ray and numb the tooth fully.
- We remove the infected pulp and clean and shape the root canals.
- We fill and seal the canals.
- Usually a crown (cap) is placed afterwards to protect the tooth from breaking.
Common questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
With local anaesthetic, most patients find it feels similar to getting a filling. It relieves the pain caused by the infection.
How many visits does it take?
Usually one to three visits, depending on the tooth and the infection.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
For back teeth, a crown is usually recommended because the tooth becomes weaker after treatment. We'll advise you for your specific tooth.
Every mouth is different. This page is general information; Dr. Harshali will advise you after examining your teeth.