Your Smile Dental Practice

    Root Canal Treatment.

    Understand the options for a painful or infected tooth, with each step explained before you decide.

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    Illustrative image of a dentist explaining a tooth model

    Decay or an injury can inflame or infect the soft tissue inside a tooth, sometimes causing pain or an abscess. If the tooth can be treated, root canal treatment removes the affected tissue and cleans the inside so the tooth can be filled and sealed. We’ll assess the tooth, explain the likely steps and discuss alternatives and limitations before you decide.

    A good place to start

    Understand each stage of treatment

    1. 01

      Assess and plan

      We examine the tooth and discuss whether root canal treatment is suitable, along with any alternatives.

    2. 02

      Clean the canals

      With local anaesthetic, the affected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped. A temporary filling may be used between visits.

    3. 03

      Fill and restore

      The canals are filled and sealed. Depending on the tooth, a crown may be recommended to help protect it.

    A little more clarity

    Your questions, answered.

    Clinically reviewed

    It may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected through decay or injury. Treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans the canals and seals them to help retain the natural tooth.

    Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth. You may experience discomfort afterwards, and experiences vary. Tell us about your concerns so we can explain what to expect and support you through treatment.

    Treatment often takes more than one visit. A temporary filling may be placed between appointments while the tooth is reviewed. Your dentist will explain the likely sequence for your tooth.

    A treated tooth may need a crown or another restoration to protect it, depending on how much tooth remains and the forces on it. We’ll discuss this as part of the overall plan.

    Your dentist will explain the other options, which may include removing the tooth. Leaving an infected tooth untreated can allow the problem to worsen, so an assessment is important.

    A successfully treated tooth, properly restored with a filling or crown, can last many years. Its lifespan depends on the condition of the tooth, your bite and your daily care. Regular reviews remain important, and long-term success is not guaranteed.

    The tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Your dentist can advise on suitable pain relief. Contact the practice if pain is severe or swelling develops.

    Where possible, saving your natural tooth can preserve chewing function and help avoid neighbouring teeth moving into the gap. Replacing an extracted tooth can involve further treatment and costs. The best option depends on the tooth's condition and outlook, which we’ll discuss with you before you decide.

    Most people can drive and return to their usual activities after treatment under local anaesthetic. Follow your dentist's advice, and do not drive if you feel unwell or take medicine that affects your ability to drive. Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating or having hot drinks.

    A root-treated tooth can darken over time, which may be more noticeable at the front. Your dentist can discuss suitable options, which may include internal whitening, a crown or a veneer, depending on the tooth.

    If infection returns, your dentist will reassess the tooth. Sometimes root canal treatment can be repeated, or a specialist may assess whether root-end surgery, called an apicectomy, is appropriate. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be needed.

    Antibiotics do not remove the infected tissue inside a tooth and cannot replace root canal treatment or extraction. They may sometimes be prescribed alongside dental treatment if infection is spreading. Your dentist will decide whether they are appropriate.

    Yes. Your dentist may recommend referral for complex cases, such as unusually shaped roots or re-treatment. An endodontist is a dentist with specialist training in root canal treatment.

    Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is in place, as the temporary filling is less strong. Choose softer foods and follow your dentist's advice about protecting the tooth between visits.

    Start with a conversation.

    We’ll listen, explain what may be suitable for you and give you room to decide.

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