Does a tooth ache badly, even at night?
Root canal treatment
When decay or injury reaches the nerve inside a tooth, root canal treatment cleans out the infected pulp, disinfects the canals and seals them. It saves your own tooth instead of removing it.
When it's needed
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain, often worse at night
- Pain to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling of the gum or face
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
What to expect
- X-ray to see the roots and infection
- The tooth is numbed
- Infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped
- The canals are filled and sealed
- A crown is usually advised later to protect the tooth
Afterwards
- Some tenderness for a few days is common
- Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown
- Take medicines only as the dentist prescribes
Common questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth is numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. It usually relieves the pain the infection was causing.
How many visits does it take?
Often one to three visits, depending on the tooth and the infection.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. The dentist will examine you and explain what suits your teeth.