Root Canal Treatment

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treats infection inside the tooth — specifically within the pulp, which is the soft tissue at the core containing the nerve and blood vessels. When that tissue becomes infected or inflamed from decay, a crack, or trauma, it needs to be removed, the canals cleaned and shaped, and the space sealed. The tooth is then typically restored with a crown. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests.

Root canal therapy saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. A severe toothache or a dental abscess can be genuinely frightening, and root canal treatment resolves both — often providing immediate relief once the infected tissue is removed. Keeping your natural tooth is nearly always the better outcome. It preserves your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and avoids the cost and process of a replacement down the line.

When Should You Consider It?

• A severe or throbbing toothache that does not go away: This kind of pain — especially if it wakes you at night — often points to pulp infection.
• Sensitivity to heat that lingers after the source is removed: Prolonged heat sensitivity is a reliable sign that the nerve is affected.
• A dental abscess or swelling near a tooth: An abscess means active infection that needs to be treated promptly.
• A tooth that has been traumatised: A hard knock or crack can damage the pulp even without obvious signs — sometimes years later.
• Decay that has reached the centre of the tooth: Deep cavities that have gone untreated long enough can infect the pulp and require root canal treatment to save the tooth.

What to Expect

1. Diagnosis and anaesthetic.
   X-rays confirm the extent of the infection and local anaesthetic is administered so you are completely comfortable throughout.
2. Cleaning and shaping the canals.
   The infected pulp is removed, the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped, then filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
3. Crown placement.
   A crown is typically placed at a follow-up appointment to protect the treated tooth and restore full function.