Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Root canal treatment is a highly effective dental procedure used to save infected or badly damaged teeth. It helps eliminate pain, remove infection, and restore normal function—allowing you to keep your natural tooth for years to come.

We focus on gentle, precise root canal treatments designed for comfort and long-term success.

Below are answers to the most common questions about root canal treatment.

What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is a procedure used to treat infection or damage inside a tooth. It involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from within the tooth, cleaning the area thoroughly, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
This treatment helps save the natural tooth instead of removing it.
A root canal may be needed when the inner part of the tooth becomes infected or damaged due to:
  • Deep tooth decay or cavities
  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Repeated dental work on the same tooth
  • Trauma or injury to the tooth
  • Advanced infection or abscess
If left untreated, the infection can worsen and may lead to tooth loss.
Common symptoms include:
  • Persistent tooth pain or throbbing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
  • Pimple-like swelling on the gums
Sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all, and the issue is only detected during an X-ray.
Modern root canal treatment is generally not painful. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area completely.
Most patients report feeling relief after treatment because the source of infection and pain is removed. Mild soreness afterwards is normal and temporary.
Modern root canal treatment is generally not painful. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area completely.
Most patients report feeling relief after treatment because the source of infection and pain is removed. Mild soreness afterwards is normal and temporary.
The procedure typically involves these steps:
  • 1. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic
  • 2. A small opening is made in the tooth
  • 3. The infected pulp is removed carefully
  • 4. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected
  • 5. The canals are filled and sealed
  • 6. A filling or crown is placed to restore strength
This helps protect the tooth and restore full function.
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one to two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the tooth.
Some cases may require additional visits for full restoration with a crown.
After treatment, it is normal to experience mild sensitivity for a few days. This gradually improves as the tooth heals.
Once restored with a filling or crown, the tooth should function like a natural tooth again.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years, often a lifetime. Longevity depends on proper restoration and maintenance.

In many cases, yes. A crown is recommended because the tooth can become weaker after treatment. A crown helps:
  • Protect the tooth from fracture
  • Restore chewing strength
  • Improve long-term durability
Your dentist will advise if a crown is necessary based on your case.
If the infection is mild, early treatment such as a filling or medication may help. However, once the infection reaches the tooth pulp, a root canal is usually required to save the tooth.
In severe cases, extraction may be the only alternative.
Yes. Root canal therapy is a safe and widely performed dental procedure. It is designed to eliminate infection and preserve your natural tooth structure.