Root Canal Treatment – Pain-Free Endodontics

Not anymore. Thanks to modern local anaesthesia techniques and advances in equipment, root canal treatment is now a pain-free procedure for most patients. At Calm Dental, we ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb before beginning. You may feel some pressure or mild vibration during the procedure, but not pain.

Patients who arrive with intense toothache often feel immediate relief once the infection is removed and pressure is released. After treatment, some tenderness may remain for a few days — this is normal and usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relief.

Root canal treatment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes per tooth, depending on complexity.

• Front teeth (incisors and canines) usually have a single root and can often be treated in one visit.

• Premolars and molars may have two, three, or more canals and may require two appointments for full disinfection and sealing.

We will always explain your treatment plan in advance, including how many visits you may need. Emergency or infected cases may require an initial drainage or dressing visit before the final cleaning and sealing.

In most cases, especially for back teeth, yes. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes more brittle and is prone to fracture over time, especially under chewing forces. A custom-made crown helps:

• Protect the tooth from breakage

• Restore full biting function

• Seal the tooth from future bacterial leakage

In some cases (typically front teeth or low-load areas), a composite filling may be sufficient. We will always advise the most suitable option for your case based on location, structure, and aesthetic needs.

Delaying or avoiding root canal treatment when recommended can lead to serious complications, including:

• Spread of infection to the surrounding bone and tissues

• Formation of a dental abscess, which can be painful and dangerous if untreated

• Loss of the tooth, potentially requiring extraction and later replacement

• Possible systemic effects, such as fever or facial swelling

Untreated infections don’t heal on their own — they often worsen. A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth and prevent the cascade of problems that can follow extraction.

Yes. Modern root canal treatment is highly successful, with long-term survival rates of over 90%.

Yes, in most cases. Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic, so you remain fully conscious. After the numbness wears off (usually within 2–3 hours), you can resume normal activities. 

After treatment:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored (especially if it only has a temporary filling)

• Brush and floss as usual, keeping the area clean

• Take any prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatories as directed

• Let us know if you experience swelling, severe pain, or a return of symptoms

Once the final restoration is placed (filling or crown), maintain regular check-ups and hygiene visits to help your tooth last long-term.

Not usually. Saving your natural tooth is nearly always preferable. Extraction may seem simpler, but it can lead to:

• Shifting of surrounding teeth

• Bite misalignment

• Jawbone loss over time

• Need for a replacement (implant, bridge, or denture), which may be more costly and invasive

Root canal treatment allows you to preserve your tooth’s function and appearance without the need for artificial replacements.