A tooth that is deeply decayed, cracked or injured can become inflamed or infected on the inside. Root canal treatment is a way of treating that infection and protecting the tooth, so that in many cases the natural tooth can be kept rather than extracted.
What is root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay, a crack or an injury, it can become painful and infected. During root canal treatment the damaged pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed. The tooth is then restored, usually with a filling or a crown.
Signs you may need an examination
- Persistent or throbbing toothache, including pain at night
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness of the gum near a tooth, or a small bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened in colour
These signs can also have other causes. Only an examination and X-ray can confirm what is happening.
What to expect
- Examination and X-ray to check the tooth and the surrounding bone.
- Local anaesthesia so the tooth and the area around it are numb.
- Cleaning the canals to remove the infected or damaged pulp.
- Sealing the canals to help prevent reinfection.
- Restoring the tooth with a filling or crown. Depending on the tooth, treatment may take more than one visit.
Aftercare
Mild tenderness for a few days is common. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it has been permanently restored, and keep up your normal brushing and cleaning between teeth. Back teeth, which take heavy chewing forces, are often protected with a crown.
Good to know
Leaving an infected tooth untreated can allow the infection to spread, so early assessment matters. In some cases a tooth is too badly damaged to be saved and removal is the better option. Your dentist will explain the likely outcome for your specific tooth before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so most patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days. Your dentist will advise on managing any discomfort.
This depends on the tooth and how complex the infection is. Some teeth can be treated in one visit while others need two or more. Your dentist will explain what to expect for your case.
Often, yes, especially for back teeth that are weakened by decay or by the treatment itself. A crown helps protect the tooth from fracturing. Your dentist will recommend what is suitable.
Infection can spread to the surrounding bone and gum and may cause swelling and more severe pain. It can also lead to loss of the tooth. Getting it examined early gives you more options.
You can usually eat once the anaesthetic has worn off, but it is best to avoid hard or sticky food on that side until the tooth is permanently restored. Your dentist will give specific advice.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for a personal dental examination. Suitability, timelines and outcomes vary from person to person and are confirmed at your consultation with Dr. Shivani Gupta, BDS.