All you need to know about having a root canal

Signs you might need one

• Severe pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers
• Pimple-like spots on the gums
• Swollen, tender gums, or darkening around deep decay

What the treatment involves

The infected or inflamed pulp is removed from inside the tooth. The canal is then cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed. That stops the infection spreading and treats what is causing the pain. The tooth is numb throughout, because the work is done under local anaesthetic.

How long it takes

It usually takes two appointments of 60 to 90 minutes each. Your mouth stays numb for a while afterwards. Once the feeling comes back you can eat normally, and most people go back to work or class the same day.

Where we fit in

The exam and the x-ray happen here. We find the source of the pain and tell you whether root canal treatment is what the tooth needs. If it is, the referral to an endodontist is made from this office and your file stays with us. Fillings, crowns and bridges are done in our chair, including the restoration that goes on the tooth afterwards.

Why save the tooth at all?

Nothing replaces a natural tooth as well as the tooth itself. Keeping it protects the teeth either side from extra strain, keeps your bite and your chewing normal, and on a front tooth keeps your smile as it was. A treated tooth that is properly restored can last for years.

How to avoid needing one

Brush morning and night, floss daily, change the toothbrush every three to four months, and drink water instead of sugar. Most of all, keep your exams. A cavity found now is usually a filling; the same tooth left another year can need this treatment instead.