Root canal treatment cleans infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth so that the tooth can be kept in the mouth. Let us look at some common myths.
"Root canal treatment is very painful"
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia. Pain before treatment usually comes from the infection in the tooth, and treatment aims to relieve it. Mild sensitivity may follow for a short time.
"Pulling the tooth is an easier solution"
Keeping your own tooth is often preferred when possible. A missing tooth can affect your bite balance and the position of neighbouring teeth.
"My pain went away, so I do not need treatment"
Pain stopping by itself does not always mean the infection is gone. Pain can stop when the nerve tissue is damaged, while the infection continues.
How does treatment go?
- Examination and X-ray assessment of the tooth
- Anaesthesia and cleaning of the tooth
- Shaping and filling of the canals
- Strengthening the tooth with a crown if needed
When should you see a dentist?
If you have long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, pain that wakes you at night, facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum, see your dentist without delay.
The information on this page is for general purposes only; an examination is required for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment plans are determined by the dentist according to each patient's condition.