Root Canal
Endodontic treatment saves a tooth whose nerve has become infected.
What it is
Inside every tooth is a soft core of nerve and blood vessels. When decay or a crack lets bacteria reach it, that tissue becomes infected and the tooth aches. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them, which keeps the tooth in place instead of extracting it.
When you might need it
- Severe or throbbing toothache
- Lingering pain after something hot or cold
- Pain when biting on one particular tooth
- A tooth that has darkened, or a bump on the gum beside it
What the appointment involves
- Numbing of the area
- The infected tissue removed
- The canals cleaned, shaped and disinfected
- The canals sealed
Afterwards
The tooth is usually tender to bite on for a few days. A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle than a living one, so a crown is often recommended afterwards to protect it from fracturing.
This page explains the procedure in general terms so you know what you are looking at. It is not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan. What is right for you depends on your own teeth, and that needs an examination.
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Pick a time that suits you. We confirm every appointment personally.