What it is
When decay or injury reaches the pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside a tooth — the tooth becomes infected and is often painful. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals and seals them, so the tooth can usually be kept rather than extracted.
When you might need it
- Deep, throbbing tooth pain, often worse at night
- Pain on biting, or hot and cold sensitivity that lingers
- Swelling of the gum or face near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
What happens during your visit
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia and isolated, the pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned, shaped and sealed. Treatment takes one or two visits depending on the tooth and the extent of infection. A crown is usually advised afterwards, because a treated tooth becomes more brittle and can fracture.
Aftercare
Mild soreness for two to three days is common and is managed with the prescribed medication. Avoid chewing on that tooth until the permanent restoration or crown is fitted. Contact the clinic if pain or swelling increases.