Root canal treatment Preserve your natural tooth

Symptoms vary. Some people experience severe pain, while others have few or no symptoms.

Common signs include:

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when chewing
• Throbbing pain
• Swelling around the tooth
• Tenderness in the gums
• Tooth discolouration

In some cases, the problem is only detected on a radiograph during a routine dental examination.

Many people associate root canal treatment with pain, but modern treatment is performed with effective local anaesthesia and is generally more comfortable than expected.

Most patients experience little discomfort during the procedure. The purpose of treatment is, in fact, to eliminate pain and infection.

The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards, particularly when chewing. This is common and usually subsides gradually.

Treatment time depends on the tooth and the complexity of the infection. A typical appointment lasts around 1 to 2 hours. Some teeth can be treated in one visit; others require several.

Yes. A properly treated tooth that is well maintained can last for many years and sometimes for life. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are important for lasting success.

When the pulp is infected or necrotic, bacteria can spread through the root canals and cause inflammation around the root tip. Without treatment, this may lead to pain, abscess formation, bone loss and ultimately tooth loss.

During root canal treatment, infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed. The canals are then cleaned and sealed to control the infection and preserve the tooth.

Preserving the natural tooth is usually preferable because it:

• Maintains normal chewing function
• Helps maintain the position of neighbouring teeth
• Helps preserve the jawbone
• Provides the most natural result

Root canal treatment can therefore save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

A tooth can have an inflamed or necrotic pulp without obvious symptoms. Infection around the root tip is sometimes first detected on a radiograph. The dentist assesses the need for treatment using the examination, tests and radiographic findings.

Most people can resume normal activities the same day. However, numbness may last for a few hours and some tenderness is possible. Wait until the anaesthetic has worn off before chewing to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.

You can usually eat once the local anaesthetic has worn off. Choose softer foods if the tooth is tender, and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that tooth until its final restoration is complete. Always follow the advice given after treatment.

Mild to moderate tenderness, especially when chewing, may occur for several days and usually improves gradually. Contact your dentist if pain worsens, does not improve, or is accompanied by swelling or fever.

Usually not. For a localised infection, the priority is to treat its source by cleaning the root canals. Antibiotics may be appropriate in selected cases, such as spreading infection or systemic involvement, and are assessed individually.

A tooth that has received root canal treatment may be weakened, particularly when substantial tooth structure has been lost. A crown or another suitable restoration can protect it from fracture and help it function for many years. The need depends on the tooth’s condition and position.

Yes. Although many root canal treatments succeed, infection can sometimes persist or recur. Causes include complex root canal anatomy, bacterial reinfection or a leaking restoration. Depending on the circumstances, retreatment or another procedure may be possible.

A clinical examination and, when indicated, a radiograph help determine whether the tissues around the root tip are healing as expected. Bone healing often takes months, and some cases require a longer period of monitoring.

Many patients can travel and undertake light exercise as normal, depending on how they feel. Rest may be advisable after more extensive treatment or if tenderness occurs. Ask your dentist if you have particular plans or symptoms.

Contact a dentist promptly if you develop increasing swelling, severe or worsening pain, fever or difficulty opening your mouth. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.