Root Canal Treatment
Save your natural tooth and stop the pain. Modern root canal therapy is far gentler than its reputation — usually no more uncomfortable than a regular filling.
About Root Canal Treatment
Inside every tooth is a soft core of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack or trauma lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes infected — causing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and sometimes an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inner canals and seals the tooth, saving it from extraction.
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always preferable to removing it. With today's techniques, magnification and effective anaesthetic, root canal therapy is a comfortable, predictable way to relieve pain and protect your bite for years to come.
Benefits
Relieves severe toothache and infection at the source
Saves your natural tooth and avoids an extraction
Stops infection spreading to bone and other teeth
Restores normal biting and chewing
High long-term success rate, especially with a protective crown
What to expect
We'll explain everything at each stage, so you always know what's happening and feel comfortable throughout.
- 01
Diagnosis & anaesthetic
We confirm the diagnosis with X-rays and thoroughly numb the tooth so you stay comfortable throughout.
- 02
Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed and the internal canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected.
- 03
Sealing the tooth
The canals are filled and sealed to prevent re-infection, then the tooth is closed with a filling.
- 04
Protecting with a crown
A root-treated back tooth is usually capped with a crown for strength, as it can become brittle over time.
Is it right for you?
Root canal treatment is right for you if a tooth is infected or its nerve has been damaged but the tooth itself is still restorable. We'll always tell you honestly when a tooth can be saved and when extraction is the better option.
Recovery & aftercare
Mild tenderness for a few days is normal and settles with simple pain relief. Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until your permanent crown or filling is placed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?expand_more
With modern anaesthetics the procedure itself is comfortable — most patients say it feels much like having a filling. It actually relieves the pain caused by the infection.
How many appointments does it take?expand_more
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the level of infection.
Why do I need a crown afterwards?expand_more
A root-treated tooth can become brittle. A crown protects it from fracturing and greatly improves the long-term success of the treatment.
What happens if I don't treat an infected tooth?expand_more
The infection won't resolve on its own — it can spread to the bone and surrounding teeth and may eventually require the tooth to be removed.
Related treatments
Dental Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings to repair cavities and restore teeth.
Learn morearrow_forwardCrowns & Bridges
Restore damaged or missing teeth with custom crowns and bridges.
Learn morearrow_forwardTooth Extractions
Safe, gentle tooth removal when a tooth cannot be saved.
Learn morearrow_forwardReady to get started?
Book a consultation for root canal treatment at Eglinton Dental Care. We'll answer your questions and tailor a plan to your needs.