Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the nerve in the tooth (pulp) has been irreparably damaged or has died due to deep decay, a dental injury or inflammation. Typical symptoms are severe toothache, sensitivity to cold or heat, swelling or a fistula.

Thanks to modern anaesthetic methods, root canal treatment itself is usually pain-free. In fact, the aim of the treatment is to relieve the pain caused by the inflammation. After the procedure, there may be some slight discomfort, but this can be easily controlled with painkillers.

The duration depends on the complexity of the tooth and the number of root canals. The treatment can often be completed in one or two sessions, each of which can last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Once root canal treatment is complete, the tooth is usually restored with a filling or a crown. This protects the treated tooth from fractures and restores its full function and stability.

The only alternative to root canal treatment is usually the removal of the affected tooth. However, this is often the last option, as preserving your own tooth should always be the primary goal. A removed tooth would then have to be replaced with a bridge, an implant or a denture.