What is root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an old injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing pain, swelling or an abscess.
In root canal treatment, the infected pulp is gently removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and then sealed so bacteria cannot return. At our clinic many root canals are completed in a single sitting, and we use a rubber dam, a thin sheet that keeps the tooth dry and clean during treatment.
Who needs it?
- A toothache that throbs, lingers or wakes you at night
- Pain on biting, or sensitivity to hot and cold that stays after the food is gone
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
Watch: root canal treatment at our clinic
All videosSaving a 75-year-old patient's fractured front tooth
A 75-year-old patient came in with a fractured front tooth and asked us to save it rather than remove it. The video shows the broken tooth, the treatment and the result: her natural tooth, saved.
About this videoA loose, shaky tooth treated with a root canal
A loose, shaky tooth treated with root canal treatment, with X-rays from before and after the treatment. Captions in Marathi.
About this videoWhen a tooth infection shows up on the chin
A spot on the chin can sometimes come from an infected tooth. This video shows a patient's chin sore alongside the 3D scan of the lower jaw, and a diagram of how deep decay leads to an abscess.
About this videoRoot canal treatment explained, step by step
An animated explainer on root canal treatment: when severe pain means the nerve inside a tooth is affected, the canals are cleaned, filled and sealed, and a crown protects the tooth, so it can be saved instead of removed. Captions in Marathi.
About this videoA damaged back tooth restored with a tooth-coloured crown
A 3D view of a damaged back tooth (circled) before treatment, and the same tooth restored with a tooth-coloured crown after treatment. Captions in Marathi.
About this video
How the procedure works
Step 1
Diagnosis
We examine the tooth and take an X-ray to see the extent of the infection and the shape of the roots.
Step 2
Numbing and isolation
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic and a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and protect your mouth.
Step 3
Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped with fine instruments.
Step 4
Sealing
The canals are filled and sealed, and the tooth is closed with a filling.
Step 5
Crown, if needed
Back teeth that have had a root canal are often weaker, so we usually recommend a crown to protect them from breaking.
Recovery and aftercare
The tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Simple pain relief usually helps. Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown is in place.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The treatment is done with local anaesthetic, so it should feel similar to getting a filling. Most patients find the pain from the infection was far worse than the treatment.
Can a root canal really be done in one sitting?
Yes, in many cases. If there is heavy infection or swelling, we may clean the tooth and place medicine first, then finish at a second visit.
Why do you use a rubber dam?
A rubber dam keeps saliva and bacteria away from the cleaned canals and stops small instruments or solutions from reaching your throat. It is the recommended standard for root canal care.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
For molars and premolars, usually yes, because these teeth take heavy chewing forces. Front teeth sometimes only need a filling.
Is it better to remove the tooth instead?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better option when it can be saved. A missing tooth later needs an implant or bridge to replace it.