What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing inflammation or infection.
Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them. The tooth is then restored — often with a crown — so you can keep your natural tooth instead of having it removed.
Why You May Need It
- Deep decay that has reached the nerve of the tooth
- An infection or abscess at the root of a tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth exposing the pulp
- Repeated treatment on the same tooth that has irritated the nerve
- A knock to the tooth that has damaged the nerve
Common Symptoms
- Lingering pain after hot or cold, which stays after the food is gone
- Throbbing pain, sometimes waking you at night
- Pain when biting or pressing on the tooth
- Swelling or a small “pimple” on the gum near the tooth
- A tooth that has become darker than its neighbours
When You Should See a Dentist
- If tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, or keeps returning.
- If you notice gum swelling, a bad taste or a gum boil near a tooth.
- Urgently if swelling spreads to your face, jaw or neck, or you have a fever — this needs same-day care.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
- Step 1
Examination
We ask about your symptoms and examine the tooth, gums and bite.
- Step 2
X-ray / assessment
An X-ray shows the shape of the roots and any infection, so the dentist can confirm whether root canal treatment is suitable.
- Step 3
Cleaning the infected area
After numbing the area, the dentist makes a small opening, removes the inflamed pulp and cleans and disinfects the canals.
- Step 4
Sealing the tooth
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria re-entering.
- Step 5
Restoration
The tooth is rebuilt with a filling and, in many back teeth, a crown to protect it from breaking.
What Does It Feel Like?
Many patients are surprised that root canal treatment feels similar to having a filling. The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment begins. You may feel pressure and vibration and have your mouth open for a while — we take breaks whenever you need. Experiences vary, and your dentist will talk you through comfort options first.
How Long Does It Take?
Root canal treatment is often completed in one to three visits, depending on the tooth, the number of canals and the level of infection. Each visit may take around 60–90 minutes.
Aftercare
- The tooth may feel tender for a few days — your dentist will advise on suitable pain relief.
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it is fully restored.
- Attend your crown or final restoration appointment; an unrestored tooth can break.
- Contact us if you notice swelling, severe pain or your bite feels high.
Benefits
- Relieves pain caused by infection or inflammation
- Keeps your natural tooth and your natural bite
- Helps stop infection spreading
- Often avoids the need for a tooth replacement
Who May Need It?
- People with deep decay or infection in a tooth
- Anyone with persistent tooth pain on biting or to hot/cold
- People with a cracked or injured tooth
Treatment options and outcomes vary. Your dentist will assess your condition and explain whether this treatment is suitable for you. We never guarantee results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tooth is numbed before treatment, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness afterwards is common for a few days. Your dentist will discuss comfort options with you.
Keeping a natural tooth is usually preferred when it can be predictably restored. Extraction is sometimes the better choice. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of both, including the cost of replacing a missing tooth.
Back teeth often need a crown because they take heavy biting forces and can become brittle. Front teeth may only need a filling. Your dentist will recommend what suits your tooth.
Treatment cost depends on your condition and the treatment plan your dentist recommends. After an assessment, we explain your options and their costs clearly before anything begins — contact the clinic to arrange an assessment.
Most people return to normal activities the same day. Numbness usually wears off within a few hours.
Treatment Cost & Consultation
Treatment cost depends on your condition and the treatment plan your dentist recommends. After an assessment, we explain your options and their costs clearly before anything begins — contact the clinic to arrange an assessment.
We don’t publish fixed prices online because the right plan depends on your examination.
Why Choose Ali Dental Clinic?
- Before your appointmentWhat to expect
- During consultationWe’ll listen first
- Before treatmentWe’ll explain your options
- After treatmentWe’ll guide your aftercare