The procedure
Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is opened, the nerve removed and the canals cleaned and disinfected with fine instruments. They are then filled and sealed. X-rays check each step.
Depending on the tooth and the infection, treatment takes one or two visits of about an hour.
Afterwards
The tooth may be tender when chewing for a few days. A root-treated tooth becomes more brittle, especially a molar: a crown is often recommended to stop it cracking.
Why keep the tooth?
A well-treated natural tooth remains the best option. An extraction leaves a gap that will need filling (implant or bridge), otherwise neighbouring teeth drift.
Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal painful?
Not during treatment, thanks to the anaesthetic. In fact, it relieves the pain of the toothache.
Why does the tooth turn grey?
A root-treated tooth can darken over time. Internal whitening or a crown can correct the shade.
Is a crown always needed afterwards?
Not always on front teeth with little damage, but it is very often recommended for molars and premolars.