Overview

What is root canal treatment?

Deep decay, trauma, cracks or old restorations can let bacteria reach the pulp tissue inside the tooth. Without treatment you get pain, abscess and eventually tooth loss.

Endodontics cleans out the inflamed or dead nerves and vessels, then fills the canals with a biocompatible seal. The goal is to keep your own tooth for decades — even the best implant just tries to mimic a natural tooth.

Microscope
Apex locator
NiTi rotary
Rubber dam
Symptoms

When is root canal needed?

Any of these symptoms calls for an exam — early action saves the tooth.

Severe hot/cold sensitivity

Sharp pain that lingers 30+ seconds after the stimulus is gone is a sign the pulp is inflamed.

Spontaneous night pain

Throbbing pain with no trigger, especially after lying down — the classic pulpitis symptom.

Pain when chewing

A sharp pain under bite pressure may indicate root-tip inflammation.

Tooth discolouration

Grey or darker shade signals the pulp has lost vitality. Often progresses without pain.

Swelling / abscess

Facial or gum swelling is an emergency — infection has spread into tissues, treat immediately.

Spotted on x-ray

Sometimes there's no pain at all; a routine check-up x-ray reveals a root-tip lesion.

The process

The 6-step process

Anaesthesia, then most cases are finished in a single visit. Complex ones may take 2-3 visits.

01

Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia keeps you completely comfortable. With modern techniques, virtually painless.

02

Access cavity

Decay is fully removed, fractures cleaned, and a small access is made into the pulp chamber.

03

Canal shaping

Rotary NiTi files shape the canals. An electronic apex locator finds the root tip with millimetre precision.

04

Disinfection

Sodium hypochlorite and EDTA irrigate the canals — bacteria and debris are eliminated.

05

Canal filling

Gutta-percha and sealer fill the canal all the way to the apex. An airtight seal prevents reinfection.

06

Top restoration

Front teeth: a filling. Molars: usually a crown. For large loss, a post + core reinforcement is added.

Treatment types

Types of endodontic treatment

Not every case is the same — some need a different approach.

Single-visit root canal

For first-time treatment on non-infected teeth. Completed in 60-90 minutes with a temporary restoration the same day.

Multi-visit treatment

Preferred for abscesses, chronic infection or very curved canals. Over 2-3 visits we place intracanal medicaments to clear infection gradually.

Retreatment

If previous root canal failed, old filling is removed, canals are re-cleaned and re-filled. Microscope use raises the success rate significantly.

Apicoectomy

For root-tip lesions that can't be resolved from inside the canal, a minor surgical procedure removes and seals the root tip.

Technology

The technology we use

70% of endodontic success is technique. Our toolkit carries the gold standard.

Apex locator

Electronic determination of the root tip — not guessing, not estimating.

NiTi rotary files

Flexible nickel-titanium files work curved canals without fracturing. Faster, more precise.

Ultrasonic activation

Irrigant is agitated by ultrasonic waves — disinfection penetrates much deeper.

Dental microscope

25× magnification reveals canal entrances and micro-cracks. Non-negotiable for retreatment.

Rubber dam isolation

A rubber sheet isolates the tooth from saliva. Contamination drops to zero, success rises.

Digital radiography

90% less radiation than conventional x-rays, instant images. CBCT for 3D root anatomy.

Myths vs facts

Myths vs. facts

The most common misconceptions we hear — the reality is much better.

Myth

Root canal is extremely painful.

Fact

With modern anaesthesia it's no more painful than a filling. The pain was the infection — we're removing it.

Myth

Just extract the tooth — it's dead anyway.

Fact

A natural tooth always beats an implant. It preserves surrounding bone, proprioception, and facial structure. Implants are the last resort.

Myth

Root canals don't last.

Fact

Properly done, root canals last decades, often for life. The key is a correct top restoration (crown) and regular check-ups.

Myth

Root canals spread bacteria through the body.

Fact

A scientifically debunked 100-year-old theory. Modern endodontics does the opposite — it eliminates infection at the source.

Aftercare

Aftercare: healing & maintenance

Practical info for after the treatment — most patients return to normal the next day.

1-3 days: mild sensitivity

Some tenderness to bite pressure is normal. Paracetamol usually suffices unless otherwise prescribed.

Eating

Avoid hard/hot foods on day one. Don't eat until anaesthesia wears off (~2 h) — lip-biting risk.

Brushing

Brush normally — gently around the treated tooth. Keep flossing daily.

Top restoration

Move from temporary filling to permanent crown within 2-4 weeks. Delay risks a fracture.

6-month check-up

Healing at the root tip is verified radiographically. Tracked at routine 6-month visits.

When to call us

Persistent severe pain, increasing swelling, or fever — call the same day.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The most common questions about root canal treatment.

On average 60-90 minutes. Simple cases finish in one visit. Abscesses or complex anatomy may need 2-3 visits of 45-60 minutes each.

No. Modern local anaesthesia gives complete numbing throughout. Most patients describe it as "no different from a filling." If anaesthesia isn't enough, tell your dentist — an extra dose is given.

Yes — mild tenderness (especially to bite) for 1-3 days is expected and is part of healing. Severe pain or pain lasting more than 3 days warrants a check-up.

A missed canal branch or extra canal may exist. A retreatment removes the old filling, re-cleans, and refills. In rare cases a small surgical apicoectomy is needed. The chance of losing the tooth stays below 5%.

Usually yes — especially on molars. A root-treated tooth is more prone to fracture; a crown protects it. On a front tooth with minor loss, an aesthetic filling can be enough.

With a proper top restoration, for life. 10-year success rate is 85-95%, 20-year is 70-80%. With regular check-ups and hygiene most patients never think about that tooth again.

A root-treated tooth can darken over time (no vitality left). If that happens, internal bleaching or a crown/veneer restores the aesthetics.

If urgent, yes — usually in the 2nd trimester (weeks 14-27). Unmanaged pain and infection pose more risk to the baby. Dentist and OB-GYN coordinate care.

Ready to plan your new smile?

Send us your x-ray or a photo of your smile — we reply within 24 hours with a personal treatment plan.