Root Canal Treatment
A severely inflamed or infected tooth nerve can cause lingering sensitivity, pain when biting, or spontaneous pain. Root canal treatment removes the source of that infection so the natural tooth can stay in place rather than being extracted.
Inside every tooth is a soft core of nerve and blood vessels called the pulp. When the pulp becomes badly inflamed or infected, through deep decay, a crack, or trauma, it can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, can lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the internal canals, and seals the tooth so it can continue to function.
At Claremont Dental Rooms, root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and for most patients the experience feels similar to having a filling. The idea that root canals are inevitably painful is largely outdated. In reality, the treatment relieves the pain that the infection was causing. Modern instruments are used to clean and shape the canals carefully.
Once the infection is cleared and the canals are sealed, a crown is recommended in most cases, particularly for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. A tooth that has had root canal treatment can become more brittle, and a crown protects it from fracture so it lasts.
The main advantage of root canal treatment is that it saves your natural tooth. Keeping the tooth maintains your bite, stops neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, and avoids the need for replacement options such as an implant or a bridge. A properly treated and restored tooth can keep functioning comfortably for many years.
We will always explain the alternatives, including extraction and replacement, so you can make an informed choice. In some situations a tooth is too damaged to save, and we will be honest with you about when that is the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For most people, no. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so it generally feels similar to having a filling. Root canal treatment relieves the pain caused by the infected nerve rather than creating it. Some mild tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.
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A tooth that has had root canal treatment, especially a back tooth, can become more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown covers and protects the tooth so it can withstand normal chewing forces. Restoring the tooth properly is a key part of the treatment lasting long term.
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An untreated infected tooth will not heal on its own. The infection can spread, leading to an abscess, increasing pain, and potential damage to surrounding bone. In some cases the infection can become serious. The alternatives are root canal treatment to save the tooth or extraction to remove it.
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Treatment can often be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection. Back teeth have more canals and can take longer than front teeth. We will let you know what to expect for your specific tooth.
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Keeping your natural tooth with a root canal is usually preferable where the tooth is restorable, because it maintains your bite and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting. Extraction is sometimes the right choice when a tooth is too damaged to save, but it then leaves a gap that often needs replacing with an implant or bridge. We will discuss the honest trade-offs for your situation.
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A properly treated and crowned tooth can last for many years, often a lifetime, with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Success depends on how well the tooth is restored afterward and how it is maintained.