Save your tooth, stop the pain
Root canal (endodontic) treatment is needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or dies, usually from deep decay, a crack or a knock. Symptoms include a severe or throbbing toothache, pain when biting, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, a pimple on the gum, or swelling. Sometimes there are no symptoms and the problem shows up on an X-ray.
The treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans and seals the root canals, and lets you keep your natural tooth. At Acclaim Dental our dentists use modern rotary instruments and 3D imaging to see the exact shape of the roots, which makes treatment more predictable and more comfortable.
What happens during treatment
Diagnosis
Examination, X-rays and 3D imaging where needed to confirm which tooth is the cause and how many roots it has.
Clean and shape
Under local anaesthetic, a small opening is made in the tooth and the infected nerve tissue is removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. A medicated dressing may be placed between visits.
Seal and restore
The canals are filled and sealed. The tooth is then restored with a filling, and in most cases a crown to protect it long term.
In pain now?
Toothache from an infected nerve rarely settles on its own and can become an abscess. Call us for a same-day emergency appointment. Getting the nerve treated early means less pain, less antibiotic use and a better chance of saving the tooth.
Signs a tooth may need root canal treatment
- Toothache that's severe, throbbing or wakes you at night
- Pain that lingers for minutes after hot or cold
- Pain when biting or touching the tooth
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
- A tooth that's darkened compared with its neighbours
- A bad taste or discharge from the gum
Sometimes there are no symptoms and the infection is found on a routine X-ray. It still needs treating.
After your treatment
The tooth may feel tender for a few days, particularly when biting. Regular pain relief manages this. Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it's been permanently restored. If you were given a temporary filling between visits, treat it gently. Call us if pain is getting worse rather than better after day three, or if swelling develops.
Why a crown usually follows
A tooth that's had root canal treatment has usually lost a lot of its structure to decay and the access cavity, and it's drier and more brittle than a living tooth. A crown holds it together and protects it from splitting under chewing forces. Back teeth almost always need one. Front teeth sometimes get away with a filling. Your dentist will advise, and with our same-day crown technology the crown can often be done at the final root canal visit.
Success rates and when referral is needed
Root canal treatment has a high long-term success rate when the tooth is properly sealed and restored. Some teeth are complex: very curved or narrow canals, previous treatment that's failed, or persistent infection. In those cases your dentist may refer you to an endodontist (a root canal specialist) for the best outcome.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.