Root canal treatment, often called RCT, treats the soft tissue inside a tooth – the pulp – when it becomes inflamed or infected. Deep decay, a crack or an old injury can let bacteria reach the pulp. Left alone, this can lead to severe toothache, swelling or an abscess, and the tooth may eventually be lost.
The aim of RCT is to save your natural tooth. Many people in Ankleshwar have heard that root canals are something to fear, but with local anaesthesia most people find it feels similar to having a deep filling. At Divine Dental Care, the dentist explains why RCT is advised, what the other options are and what to expect before starting.
What the treatment involves
Inside every tooth is a space containing the pulp – nerves and blood vessels that run down narrow channels in the roots, called root canals. During RCT, the dentist:
- numbs the tooth and the gum around it with a local anaesthetic
- makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp
- removes the infected or inflamed pulp and cleans and shapes the canals
- disinfects the canals, then fills and seals them
- closes the opening with a temporary or final filling
Back teeth take the most pressure when you chew and can become more brittle after RCT, so the dentist will often advise a dental crown to protect the tooth afterwards. Front teeth sometimes need only a filling. Depending on the tooth and the infection, RCT may be completed in one visit or spread over two or more.
Common reasons patients come in
- Severe or throbbing toothache, especially when chewing or at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone
- Swelling of the gum, or a small pimple-like bump on the gum that may leak pus
- A tooth that has darkened after an old knock or injury
- A deep cavity or broken tooth that has reached close to the nerve
- An infection seen on an X-ray, sometimes even when there is no pain
How the treatment works at Divine Dental Care
- Examination and X-ray. The dentist examines the tooth and takes a low-radiation digital X-ray to see the roots and any infection at the root tip.
- Explaining your options. You are told whether the tooth can be saved, what RCT involves, roughly how many visits it may need and the alternatives, such as tooth extraction. You decide how to proceed.
- Local anaesthetic. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed. You can raise your hand at any time if you need a pause.
- Cleaning the canals. The pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
- Sealing. The canals are filled and sealed, and the tooth is closed with a temporary or final filling. If a crown is advised, it is planned once the tooth has settled.
Aftercare and recovery
It is common for the tooth to feel tender for a few days, especially when biting, and this usually settles on its own. Take only pain relief your doctor or pharmacist says is safe for you. Antibiotics are not needed for every root canal; the dentist will decide whether you need any medicine.
Until the final filling or crown is placed, avoid chewing hard food on that side, as the tooth can crack. Contact the clinic if pain gets worse after a few days, swelling appears or the temporary filling comes out. If swelling spreads towards your eye or neck, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department straight away – see emergency dental care. If you have a toothache that will not settle, book an appointment at our Ankleshwar clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment starts, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is common and usually settles.
How many visits does RCT take?
It depends on the tooth, the number of canals and whether there is active infection. Some teeth are finished in one visit; others need two or more.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually need a crown afterwards because they take heavy chewing pressure and can crack. Front teeth may only need a filling. The dentist will advise based on how much healthy tooth is left.
Is it better to remove the tooth instead?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually preferred when it can be saved, as a missing tooth often needs a bridge, implant or denture to replace it. Sometimes, though, a tooth is too damaged to save, and extraction is the sensible choice.
Can a tooth need treatment again after RCT?
Occasionally, yes. New decay, a leaking filling or a crack can let bacteria back in. Good brushing, regular check-ups and a well-fitting crown help protect the tooth.
Every mouth is different. The right treatment for you is decided only after Dr. Dhara M. Sudani examines your teeth and, if needed, takes an X-ray. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.