All treatments
Root canal treatment (RCT)
When infection reaches the nerve inside a tooth, a root canal removes it, cleans the inside and seals it. It saves the tooth instead of pulling it out.
- How long does it take?
- 1–3 visits, 45–90 minutes each
- Does it hurt?
- Numbed; most people say it feels like a filling
- What about recovery?
- Some tenderness for 2–3 days
You might need this if
- Strong, throbbing toothache, especially at night
- Pain that lingers after something hot or cold
- Swelling or a pimple on the gum near a tooth
What happens, step by step
- 1
X-ray
Shows how far the infection has spread and the shape of the roots.
- 2
Numbing
The tooth is fully numbed before we begin.
- 3
Clean the canals
The infected nerve is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
- 4
Seal
The canals are filled and sealed to keep bacteria out.
- 5
Cap the tooth
A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking.
After your treatment
Every mouth is different, so your dentist will give you advice for your own case.
- Chew on the other side until the crown is fitted
- Take pain relief only as your dentist advises
- Come back for the crown; it protects the tooth long-term
Still have questions? We're happy to explain.