Root Canal Treatment

What are the advantages of root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise have been extracted.

After root canal treatment, the tooth is pulpless - it has no vital tissues within. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root (e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone).

A root-canal-treated tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment procedures are relatively comfortable and often painless as the tooth is anaesthetised during treatment. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy.

However, if the pain persists, or gets worse (e.g. more intense; accompanied by swelling), you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.