Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment aims to keep a tooth by cleaning and sealing the space inside its roots.
Before
Tell the dentist which tooth is affected, what you have noticed and whether it has been treated before.
During
Ask which part of the root canal plan this appointment covers and what will be needed to protect the tooth between visits.
After
Follow the advice for the treated tooth and check whether you need another visit or a final restoration.
Clinicians
Technology
Endodontic microscope
Magnification and light help the clinician see small details inside the tooth during root canal work.
Digital X-rays
Help assess the tooth and its roots when clinically indicated.
CBCT scanning
May help in complex cases when standard X-rays don’t answer a question that affects treatment.
FAQs
How many visits will I need?
This depends on the tooth and the condition being treated. Ask the clinician about the treatment stages and when the final restoration can be fitted.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
It depends on which tooth was treated and how much sound tooth remains. Your dentist can explain how they plan to protect it.
Fillings and crownsFurther reading
Assessment, treatment and repeat treatment
A consultation helps establish what is causing the problem and whether the tooth can be kept. First-time treatment cleans and seals the canals. Repeat treatment reopens a tooth with previous root canal work so the canals can be cleaned again, if the tooth is suitable.