A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at treating a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing bacteria from the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that supplies blood. This treatment helps prevent reinfection and can save the natural tooth from extraction.
Thanks to local anaesthesia, you won’t feel pain during the root canal procedure. Some patients experience discomfort, but infected pulp is much more painful than any discomfort the procedure may cause. Removing the infection removes the pain.
Typically, a root canal treatment takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete, though more complex cases can take longer and require additional visits. You can typically get your treatment done in a single appointment.
After a root canal, the tooth may require a filling to seal the canals and may require a crown for protection and continued function like any other tooth.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. When this occurs, an endodontic retreatment procedure can save the tooth or extraction of the tooth may be required and an alternative solution like an implant, bridge or denture can be explored.
Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth normally involves replacement with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
Yes, you can drive yourself home after a root canal treatment, as the procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, and you remain fully conscious.
Symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include prolonged sensitivity, darkened gums and signs of infection.
