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Understanding root canal treatment
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, causing inflammation or infection.
Root canal treatment (RCT) removes the affected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them. The tooth is then restored, often with a crown (cap), to protect it from breaking. The goal is to keep your own tooth rather than remove it.
When someone may need it
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the source is removed
- Persistent or throbbing toothache, sometimes worse at night
- Pain when biting or chewing on a tooth
- Swelling or a small pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- Darkening of a tooth after an injury
- Deep decay or a crack that reaches close to the pulp
What to expect
Your dentist will examine the tooth and usually take an X-ray to see the root and surrounding bone. If root canal treatment is suitable, the procedure will be explained, including how many visits may be needed. Some teeth can be treated in one visit; others need two or more.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or vibration, but you should let the dentist know if you feel discomfort at any point. Afterwards the tooth may feel tender for a few days, which usually settles.
The treatment process
- 1
Assessment
Examination and an X-ray help your dentist decide whether the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment.
- 2
Numbing and access
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic and a small opening is made to reach the pulp.
- 3
Cleaning and shaping
The infected or inflamed pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
- 4
Sealing
The canals are filled and sealed, and a temporary or permanent filling is placed.
- 5
Final restoration
A crown is often recommended to protect the treated tooth, especially back teeth.
Potential benefits & limitations
Potential benefits
- Aims to keep your natural tooth
- Can relieve pain caused by an inflamed or infected pulp
- Helps stop infection spreading from the tooth
- Lets you chew normally once the tooth is restored
Things to consider
- Often needs more than one visit, plus a separate visit for a crown
- The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards
- Not every tooth can be saved; your dentist will assess this
- Occasionally a treated tooth needs further treatment in future
General aftercare
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed
- Take pain relief only as advised by your dentist or pharmacist
- Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth as usual
- Return for your crown or final filling as scheduled
- Follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable. Many people say the procedure feels similar to having a filling. Some tenderness afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days.
Why do I need a cap after root canal treatment?
A tooth that has had root canal treatment can become more brittle. A crown (cap) is often recommended to protect it from cracking, especially for back teeth.
Can't I just have the tooth removed instead?
Extraction is sometimes an option, but a missing tooth can affect chewing and neighbouring teeth. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each choice.