Few dental words cause as much worry as “root canal”. Much of that fear comes from outdated stories. Let us look at what the treatment really involves.

What is a root canal treatment?

Inside each tooth is a soft core called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, which runs down through narrow canals in the roots. If bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay, a crack or an old filling, it becomes inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them so the tooth can stay in place.

Myth: it is very painful

Fact: The treatment is done under local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure but not pain. The pain comes from the infection, and the treatment is what takes it away. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal and usually managed with simple pain relief as advised.

Myth: it is better to pull the tooth

Fact: Wherever possible, keeping your own tooth is best. Removing it leaves a gap, and neighbouring teeth can drift. Replacing it needs an implant, bridge or denture. Root canal treatment followed by a crown is a long-lasting way to keep the tooth.

Myth: root canals cause illness

Fact: Claims that root canal treatment makes you ill come from very old and discredited ideas. Leaving an infected tooth untreated is what carries risk, because infection can spread.

Myth: you can tell if you need one by the pain

Fact: Sometimes a tooth needing root canal has little pain, or the pain stops when the nerve dies, while the infection continues. An X-ray and examination are the only reliable way to know. See the signs you may need a root canal.

What happens during treatment?

  1. The area is numbed and the tooth is isolated to keep it clean.
  2. An opening is made and the infected pulp is removed.
  3. The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
  4. The canals are filled and sealed, and the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.

After treatment

Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it is fully restored. A back tooth usually needs a crown, as it can be more brittle after treatment. Read more about dental crowns. Our dentists provide root canal treatment with a focus on comfort.