General Dentistry›Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal
Treatment
At a Glance
1–2 appointments
Visits Required
Local
Anaesthesia
Save infected tooth
Purpose
Mild, 1–3 days
Recovery
Root canal treatment relieves the severe pain of an infected tooth and preserves it from extraction by carefully removing the damaged pulp tissue inside the root canals. Thanks to modern techniques and thorough anaesthesia, the procedure is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests — most patients report that the relief from tooth pain afterward is the most memorable part.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment — also called endodontic therapy — becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it is compromised by deep decay, a fracture, or trauma, it can cause intense pain and, if left untreated, spread infection to surrounding tissues and bone.
The treatment removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection — allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted.
- Treats infection or severe inflammation of the tooth's inner pulp
- Common causes: deep decay, cracked tooth, or dental trauma
- Eliminates the source of pain and stops infection from spreading
- Preserves the natural tooth — avoiding extraction
Thanks to modern anaesthesia and instrumentation, root canal treatment is no more painful than getting a filling. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and routine the experience is.
What to Expect During Treatment
Root canal treatment is precise and methodical, performed under local anaesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. Here is what the process involves:
- Local anaesthesia is applied to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area
- A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber
- Infected pulp tissue is carefully removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped
- The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to prevent reinfection
- A temporary or permanent restoration is placed — a crown is usually recommended afterward
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients experience mild sensitivity or soreness in the treated area for a few days after treatment, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The pre-existing tooth pain is typically eliminated immediately.
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until your final restoration is in place
- Take any prescribed medication as directed
- Continue normal brushing and flossing — just be gentle around the treated tooth
- Contact us if you experience severe pain, swelling, or the temporary restoration falls out
- Attend your follow-up appointment to proceed with crown placement
Why Save the Tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction. Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and, with proper restoration, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
- Natural teeth function better than any replacement option
- Preserves jawbone — extraction leads to bone loss over time
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting into the gap
- Far more cost-effective than extraction followed by implant or bridge
- High long-term success rate with proper restoration and oral hygiene
Common
Questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No — modern local anaesthesia ensures the procedure is virtually painless. In fact, root canal treatment relieves the intense tooth pain caused by the infection. The soreness you may feel in the days afterward is mild and temporary.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
In most cases, yes. After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes more brittle and is at higher risk of fracturing. A dental crown protects the tooth and restores it to full strength and function — it's an important part of the long-term success of the treatment.
How many appointments does root canal treatment take?
Most root canal treatments are completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of the infection. We'll give you a clear timeline at your consultation.
What happens if I don't get root canal treatment?
Without treatment, the infection will continue to spread — potentially causing an abscess, bone loss around the tooth, and spread of infection to neighbouring teeth or beyond. The tooth will eventually need extraction. Treating the tooth early is almost always the better outcome.
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Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
