Root Canal Treatment
Save your natural tooth with professional endodontic care. Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged pulp, relieves pain, and preserves your natural tooth.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is a procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The interior of a tooth contains a network of blood vessels and nerve tissues called the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed—often due to a deep cavity, crack, or trauma—it can cause severe pain and lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Root canal therapy removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection. This preserves your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to extraction.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Common signs that you may need root canal therapy include:
- ✓Severe toothache pain when eating or applying pressure
- ✓Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed
- ✓Discolouration or darkening of the tooth
- ✓Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums and jaw
- ✓A pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
Important: If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes and prevent complications.
The Treatment Process
Diagnosis & Imaging
Your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to evaluate the extent of infection or damage and confirm root canal therapy is needed.
Local Anaesthesia
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Pulp Removal
The dentist creates an access opening in the tooth and carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the tooth's interior.
Cleaning & Shaping
The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and prepared using specialised instruments to ensure thorough disinfection.
Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed with an adhesive cement to prevent future infection.
Restoration
A temporary or permanent restoration (usually a crown) is placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Why Choose Root Canal Treatment?
Saves Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy eliminates the need for extraction, allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
Relieves Pain
Removes the source of infection and inflammation, ending the severe pain associated with pulp damage.
Prevents Complications
Stops the spread of infection to surrounding bone and tissues, avoiding more serious health issues.
Improves Overall Health
Eliminating a focal infection supports your general health and immune system.
Long-Term Solution
With proper restoration and care, a treated tooth can last many more years.
Maintains Oral Function
Preserving your natural tooth maintains proper bite alignment and jaw function.
What to Expect
Before Treatment
Your dentist will discuss the procedure, answer your questions, and explain what happens during and after treatment. You may be advised to take an antibiotic if there is significant infection.
During Treatment
With local anaesthesia, you should experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration and hear sounds from the instruments. The tooth will be isolated with a rubber dam to keep it dry and infection-free during treatment. Most root canal procedures take 30-60 minutes, though complex cases may take longer.
After Treatment
Mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal for a few days. The tooth may feel slightly elevated when you bite. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?→
No. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Most patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Pain relief is one of the main benefits of root canal therapy.
Why not just extract the tooth?→
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better choice. Natural teeth preserve bone, maintain proper jaw alignment, and function better than replacements. Extraction should only be considered if the tooth cannot be saved.
How long does the procedure take?→
Most root canal treatments take 30-60 minutes. Complex cases with curved canals or multiple roots may take longer. Your dentist will provide an estimate during your consultation.
Will the tooth be permanently fixed after root canal treatment?→
Root canal therapy stops the infection, but the tooth remains dead (no longer has a blood supply). The treated tooth becomes more fragile and typically requires a crown for protection and longevity.
Can a root canal fail?→
Root canal therapy has a high success rate. In rare cases, new infection may develop or a canal may be missed. If this occurs, re-treatment (retreatment) may be recommended.
How should I care for my tooth after root canal treatment?→
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups. Follow your dentist's care instructions.
Related Treatments
After root canal treatment, you may benefit from these related services:
Want to learn more?
Read our Root Canal guide →Experiencing Tooth Pain?
Don't wait for the pain to worsen. Schedule a consultation to evaluate your tooth and discuss treatment options.
Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile begins with a single appointment. Let Dr. Madhur Sharma and our team craft a smile that's beautifully, uniquely yours.