Root Canal

The reputation is outdated. The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic — most patients feel pressure, not pain. The soreness that follows for a day or two is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. What actually hurts is the infected tooth beforehand, which root canal treatment resolves.

Persistent toothache, sensitivity to heat that lingers, swelling around the gum, or a tooth that’s darkened are common signs. But some infected teeth cause no pain at all — which is why X-rays matter. Don’t self-diagnose; get it assessed before the infection spreads to the bone.

Usually two, sometimes three. The first clears the infection and shapes the canals. The second seals them. Complex cases — curved roots, multiple canals, or significant infection — take longer. A crown is typically recommended afterwards to protect the treated tooth from fracture.

Yes. Re-infection is possible if the canals weren’t fully cleaned, the seal breaks down, or a crack develops in the tooth. Success rates are high — around 85–90% over ten years — but not guaranteed. If pain returns months or years later, a retreatment or extraction may be needed.

Sometimes, yes — particularly if the tooth is severely damaged or the bone around it is badly compromised. But keeping your natural tooth is generally preferable where possible. Extraction creates a gap that affects bite and bone density over time, unless replaced with a bridge or implant, which adds cost.