A root canal treats the inside of a tooth: the soft tissue at its centre, which has become inflamed or infected. That tissue is what has been aching. Treating it is what stops the ache.
Before we start
We take an image so we can see the shape of the roots, then give the anaesthetic and wait for it to work properly before beginning. That wait is not padding in the appointment. A tooth that is fully numb is the difference between a quiet appointment and a difficult one.
During
The tooth is isolated so nothing washes into the rest of your mouth, and the canals are cleaned and shaped. You will hear it more than you feel it. Where the tooth allows, we finish in a single visit; where it does not, we place a dressing and see you again.
Afterwards
The tooth is often tender to bite on for a few days while the tissue around it settles. That is expected and it fades. What should not happen is the original pain coming back, and if it does we want to know rather than have you wait for the next appointment.
Whatever you have read or been told, ask us. It is your tooth and your afternoon, and there is no part of this you are not allowed to know in advance.
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Rather just ask?
Nothing on this page is a substitute for someone looking at your teeth. Bring the question to an appointment.
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