Patients
Root canal treatment
Calm, magnification-led treatment of the inside of a tooth so that the natural tooth can be kept and restored.
Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the canal system, and seals it. With local anaesthetic and rubber-dam isolation, most patients describe it as similar to a long filling.
Treatment is usually completed in one or two visits depending on the tooth. A definitive restoration, usually a cuspal-coverage crown on back teeth, is planned with your general dentist to protect the tooth long-term.
What happens
- Local anaesthetic, rubber-dam isolation, and a temporary or repaired access cavity.
- Microscope-assisted location, cleaning, and shaping of the canal system.
- Three-dimensional obturation and a sealed coronal restoration.
- A clear plan with your general dentist for the long-term restoration.
When to consider
- An irreversibly inflamed pulp causing lingering or spontaneous pain.
- A non-vital tooth with an apical lesion seen on a radiograph.
- A previously traumatised tooth needing pulpal management.
- A tooth planned for a crown where the pulp is questionable.
Outcomes depend on the diagnosis, the anatomy, and the final restoration, not on the procedure alone. Individual results vary and I explain the realistic range before starting.
The information here is general dental education, not a personal clinical diagnosis. Individual outcomes vary and depend on factors specific to your tooth and your overall health.
Common questions
Questions about this treatment
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic. Most patients describe it as similar to a long filling — uncomfortable to sit through, but not painful. We check in throughout and stop if you need a break.
How long does a root canal appointment take?
A single-visit root canal typically takes 60–90 minutes. Complex cases or multi-rooted teeth may require a second appointment. We plan time so the work is never rushed.
Can the tooth be saved with root canal treatment?
In most cases, yes. The goal of root canal treatment is to remove infection and seal the canal so the tooth can stay in function. Prognosis depends on the extent of infection, crack status, and restorability — we discuss this before starting.