At the words root canal treatment, many people immediately think of pain. That reputation is largely outdated: the treatment is actually aimed at relieving pain and infection and, where possible, keeping your own tooth.
What is a root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels: the pulp. It runs through small canals in the roots of the tooth. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, for example due to a deep cavity, a crack or earlier damage, it cannot heal on its own. During a root canal treatment, the affected tissue is removed from the tooth, the canals are cleaned and the tooth is sealed.
When is a root canal treatment needed?
Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment if the tissue inside the tooth is inflamed or has died. Possible signs include:
- Persistent or throbbing toothache, sometimes also at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums around the tooth, sometimes with a small bump
- A tooth that is becoming darker in colour
It can also happen that you have no symptoms and an infection only shows up on an X-ray. Only a dentist can determine what is going on.
What happens during the treatment?
- 01
Examination and X-ray Diagnosis
The dentist assesses your symptoms and takes an X-ray to look at the condition of the roots.
- 02
Local anaesthetic Anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed, so you generally do not feel pain during treatment.
- 03
Cleaning the canals Cleaning
Through a small opening the inflamed tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned with fine instruments and rinsing fluid.
- 04
Filling and sealing Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled and the tooth is closed with a filling. A crown is often recommended to protect the tooth.
Depending on the situation, the treatment can be completed in one or several appointments.
Does a root canal treatment hurt? Myths and facts
The pain usually comes from the infection itself, not from the treatment. With a good local anaesthetic you usually feel only pressure or vibration during the procedure. Afterwards the tooth and surrounding area can be tender for a few days, especially when chewing. This is normal and in most people can be managed with a regular painkiller, following your dentist's advice. If you have severe pain or swelling that does not subside, contact your dentist.
Myth: a tooth without a nerve is dead and has to come out. Fact: after a root canal treatment, with proper care and sealing, the tooth can often function for a long time, because the root is still firmly anchored in the jawbone.
What are the alternatives and aftercare?
An alternative to root canal treatment is extracting the tooth. This leaves a gap that you may want to have replaced, for example with an implant or bridge. Whether keeping the tooth is feasible depends on the condition of the tooth and the surrounding bone. Good aftercare is important: brush carefully, attend your follow-up and have the tooth restored permanently in good time so that no new bacteria can get in.
When is it wise to visit the dentist?
Do not wait if you have persistent toothache, a swollen cheek or gum, or a fever along with tooth problems. Toothache sometimes disappears temporarily while the infection is still present. Early assessment generally increases the chance that your tooth can be saved. If you have facial swelling, a fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT NOTE
This content is for informational purposes only; it does not substitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your personalized treatment plan will be determined after a clinical examination by Mondzorg HS dentists.