Root canal treatment explained
A root canal removes infected pulp from inside a tooth so the tooth can be kept rather than extracted.
When a tooth needs one
Deep decay, a crack, or a heavy knock can let bacteria reach the pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth. Once the pulp is infected it does not heal on its own. Typical signs are prolonged pain with hot or cold, pain when biting, throbbing at night, or a gum swelling near the tooth. Sometimes there is no pain at all and the problem is found on an X-ray.
What the treatment involves
Under local anaesthetic the dentist opens the tooth, cleans and shapes the canals, disinfects them, and seals them with a filling material. It is done in one or two visits depending on the tooth and the amount of infection. A temporary dressing may be placed between visits.
The procedure itself feels much like having a filling, because the area is numb. The tooth may be tender for a few days afterwards.
Why a crown is usually advised
A root-treated back tooth has lost a lot of its structure and becomes brittle. A crown covers and protects it, and greatly reduces the chance of the tooth splitting later. A root canal that is properly done and properly restored can last many years.
This guide is general information only and is not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, see a registered dentist — find a dental clinic in Sri Lanka.