Root Canal Treatment
Relieve pain. Save your natural tooth.
Root canal treatment is designed to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth while preserving the natural tooth whenever it can be successfully restored.
Treats the source of pain when infection or inflammation affects the tooth's pulp.
Helps preserve your natural tooth whenever it can be predictably restored.
Removes affected tissue and cleans the root canal system.
The treated tooth can be restored to regain useful function.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Treat the infection. Keep the tooth.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. It contains nerves and blood vessels.
When this tissue becomes infected or inflamed because of deep decay, trauma or other damage, root canal treatment removes the affected tissue, cleans the canal system and seals it.
The tooth is then restored with an appropriate filling or crown depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure.
The objective
Save the natural tooth whenever possible.
RCT is not about simply "removing the nerve". It is a complete treatment designed to eliminate infection from inside the tooth and allow the tooth to be restored.
Clinical endodontic imaging used for educational illustration.
When might you need it?
Don't ignore persistent symptoms.
Not every toothache requires a root canal. A clinical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests are needed to determine the cause.
Root-canal-related dental radiograph.
Step 01 — Diagnosis
Before treatment, we find the cause.
A root canal should not be recommended simply because a tooth hurts. The dentist first determines what is causing the symptoms and whether the tooth can be successfully treated and restored.
The treatment
What happens during an RCT?
Root canal treatment involves cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth before sealing and restoring it.
Root canal treatment process — clinical endodontic image.
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and keep the procedure comfortable.
Access
A controlled opening is made to reach the infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth.
Clean & Shape
The canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped to prepare them for filling.
Seal & Restore
The canals are sealed and the tooth is restored with an appropriate restoration.
Inside the tooth
Cleaning the canals is the heart of the treatment.
Once access to the pulp chamber and root canals has been established, the affected tissue is removed. The canal system is cleaned and shaped before it is filled and sealed.
Completed root canal treatment — clinical example.
Why preserve the tooth?
When possible, save what you have.
A successfully treated and restored natural tooth can continue to provide useful function.
Natural Tooth
Preserves the natural tooth instead of removing it when the tooth can be successfully treated.
Infection Control
Removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth.
Function
Once appropriately restored, the tooth can return to useful chewing function.
Oral Health
Keeping a restorable natural tooth can help maintain the existing dental anatomy and function.
Important to know
Benefits, limitations and alternatives.
Possible risks & limitations
- Mild pain or tenderness may occur after treatment and is usually temporary.
- Some cases may require more than one appointment, depending on the tooth and infection.
- A treated tooth may require a crown or another protective restoration.
- Root canal treatment does not guarantee that every tooth will heal successfully.
- In some cases, further treatment or extraction may ultimately be required.
Alternative option
If a tooth cannot be predictably restored, or if a patient chooses not to undergo root canal treatment, extraction may be considered.
If extraction is required, replacement options such as an implant, bridge or removable prosthesis may subsequently be discussed depending on the individual case.
Your dentist will explain the available options and their advantages and limitations before treatment.
Root canal treatment radiographic example.
After the root canal
Treatment isn't finished until the tooth is restored.
After the canals have been treated, the tooth needs appropriate restoration to protect the remaining tooth structure and return it to function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patients often ask.
Is root canal treatment painful? +
The area is numbed during treatment. Modern root canal treatment is designed to treat the source of dental pain while keeping the procedure as comfortable as possible.
How long does an RCT take? +
Treatment time depends on the tooth, the complexity of the canals, the infection and the required restoration. Your dentist can explain the expected treatment schedule after examination.
Will I need a crown after RCT? +
Some teeth require a crown or another protective restoration after root canal treatment, especially when a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost.
Can an RCT save my natural tooth? +
Root canal treatment is intended to treat infection inside the tooth while preserving the natural tooth whenever the tooth can be predictably restored.
What happens if I delay treatment? +
Dental infection may worsen over time. Persistent pain, swelling or sensitivity should be evaluated so the cause and appropriate treatment can be determined.
Is extraction the only alternative? +
If the tooth cannot be predictably restored or root canal treatment is not chosen, extraction may be considered. Replacement options can then be discussed based on the individual case.
Tooth pain or sensitivity?
Don't guess. Find out what's happening.
Book a consultation at Radiant Arc Dental Clinic for a clinical examination and a clear explanation of your treatment options.