A root canal is a dental treatment used when the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed, infected or significantly damaged.

The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep tooth decay, cracks, trauma and repeated dental treatment can sometimes damage the pulp to the point where it cannot recover. In these situations, root canal treatment may be considered.

The aim of treatment is to remove damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the space. When the tooth is suitable for treatment and restoration, root canal treatment may help retain the natural tooth rather than removing it.

If you have tooth pain or have been told that you may need a root canal, understanding the procedure can make it easier to discuss your options with your dentist.

At Alphington Dental Care, your dentist can assess the affected tooth and explain whether root canal treatment or another approach may be appropriate for your individual situation.

What Is a Root Canal?

Technically, a root canal is the natural channel inside the root of a tooth. However, people commonly use the term “root canal” to describe root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment.

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue and plays an important role while the tooth develops.

Once a tooth is fully developed, it may continue to function after the pulp has been removed, provided the root canal system is appropriately treated and the tooth can be adequately restored.

Root canal treatment may be considered when the pulp is severely inflamed, infected or damaged.

The goal is to manage the problem inside the tooth while retaining as much useful natural tooth structure as possible.

Healthdirect Australia provides additional patient information about root canal treatment, including why it may be recommended and what the procedure can involve.

Why Can the Inside of a Tooth Become Infected?

Problems inside a tooth often develop gradually.

For example, tooth decay may begin in the outer layers of a tooth and progress deeper if it is not treated. If bacteria reach the pulp, the tissue inside the tooth may become inflamed or infected.

Other possible causes include:

• Deep tooth decay
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Dental trauma or injury
• A large filling close to the pulp
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
• A leaking filling or crown
• Significant tooth wear affecting deeper tooth structure

A tooth can sometimes appear relatively normal from the outside while still having a problem involving the pulp.

This is why diagnosis may involve a clinical examination, dental X-rays and specific tests rather than relying on symptoms or appearance alone.

When Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth is damaged or infected and is unlikely to recover.

If the tooth has enough healthy structure and can be appropriately restored, root canal treatment may allow it to remain in the mouth.

However, not every painful or sensitive tooth requires a root canal.

Tooth discomfort can have many possible causes, including:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth decay
• A cracked tooth or filling
• Gum problems
• Grinding or clenching
• Problems involving the bite
• Other dental or medical conditions

A dentist needs to diagnose the cause before recommending treatment.

Root canal treatment may be considered when an assessment identifies problems such as significant pulp inflammation, pulp infection, deep decay, infection around the root or an abscess associated with the tooth.

Common Signs That May Need Dental Assessment

Symptoms alone cannot confirm that you need root canal treatment. However, certain signs should prompt a dental assessment.

Ongoing Tooth Pain

Tooth pain that persists or repeatedly returns can indicate an underlying dental problem.

The discomfort may feel:

• Dull
• Sharp
• Throbbing
• Pressure-like
• Worse when biting or chewing

Some people experience intermittent pain, while others develop more persistent symptoms.

Pain does not necessarily mean you need a root canal, but ongoing or worsening toothache should be professionally assessed.

Healthdirect Australia advises seeing a dentist to identify the cause of toothache and gum swelling, as treatment depends on the underlying problem.

Sensitivity That Lingers

Brief tooth sensitivity can occur for several reasons and does not automatically indicate pulp infection.

A dentist may be more concerned when sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures persists after the trigger has been removed, particularly when it is associated with other symptoms or clinical findings.

Your dentist may test the affected tooth and compare its response with neighbouring teeth.

Pain When Biting or Chewing

Pain when biting can have several possible causes, including:

• A cracked tooth
• A high filling
• Deep tooth decay
• Gum problems
• Inflammation around the root
• Infection involving the pulp

Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, bite pain needs an examination rather than self-diagnosis.

Swelling Near the Tooth or Gum

Swelling around a tooth or gum can sometimes be associated with dental infection.

You may notice:

• Localised gum swelling
• Tenderness near a tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gum
• An unpleasant taste
• Swelling around the jaw or face

A dental abscess can require prompt professional treatment. Healthdirect Australia provides information about tooth abscess symptoms and treatment.

If you develop substantial facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical or dental care.

Tooth Discolouration

A tooth that becomes darker than surrounding teeth may have experienced trauma or changes involving the pulp.

Discolouration does not necessarily mean root canal treatment is required. A dentist needs to assess the tooth and determine whether the pulp remains healthy.

A Deep Cavity or Large Broken Filling

A deep cavity, broken tooth or failed filling can allow bacteria to reach deeper tooth structures.

Even without severe pain, a significantly damaged tooth should be assessed. Some dental infections can develop with relatively mild symptoms, particularly during certain stages.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment may take one or more appointments depending on the tooth, complexity of its root canal system, degree of infection and individual treatment plan.

Your dentist should explain the proposed treatment before beginning.

1. Assessment and X-Rays

The first step is determining what is causing the problem.

Your dentist may:

• Ask about your symptoms
• Examine the tooth and surrounding gums
• Assess the tooth when biting or tapping
• Perform temperature or other pulp tests where appropriate
• Take dental X-rays

These findings help determine whether root canal treatment may be appropriate or whether another treatment should be considered.

A professional dental assessment is particularly important because several conditions can cause similar symptoms. Dr Claire Wilson can assess the tooth and discuss an individual treatment plan based on the clinical findings.

2. Numbing the Area

Local anaesthetic is generally used to numb the area before root canal treatment.

You may still notice sensations such as pressure or vibration during parts of the procedure, but the dental team can monitor your comfort throughout the appointment.

If you feel anxious about treatment, tell your dentist. They can explain what to expect and discuss appropriate ways to make the appointment more manageable.

3. Accessing the Inside of the Tooth

The dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canal system.

This provides access to the inflamed, infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth.

4. Cleaning the Root Canals

The damaged or infected pulp tissue is removed.

The root canals are then carefully cleaned, shaped and disinfected.

Root canal anatomy varies. Some teeth have relatively simple canal systems, while others have multiple, narrow or curved canals.

Depending on the condition of the tooth and treatment plan, medication may sometimes be placed inside the tooth between appointments.

5. Filling the Root Canals

Once the canals have been adequately prepared, they are filled and sealed with an appropriate root filling material.

A temporary or permanent restoration may then be placed over the access opening depending on what treatment is still required.

6. Restoring the Tooth

A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment generally needs a suitable final restoration.

Depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the position of the tooth, this may involve a filling or dental crown.

Back teeth can experience substantial chewing forces, so the amount of remaining tooth structure and risk of fracture need to be considered when choosing the final restoration.

Alphington Dental Care provides further information about root canal treatment, including assessment, treatment and restoration considerations.

Your dentist will recommend the restoration they consider appropriate after assessing your individual tooth.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Root canal treatment is generally performed with local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.

Experiences vary between patients, and no dental procedure can be guaranteed to be completely pain-free. You may notice pressure, vibration or other sensations during treatment.

The tooth or surrounding tissues may also feel tender after an appointment, particularly if there was inflammation or infection beforehand.

Follow the aftercare advice provided by your dental team.

Contact your dentist if pain:

• Becomes severe
• Continues to worsen
• Does not improve as expected
• Is accompanied by significant swelling
• Interferes with eating or normal activities

Persistent or worsening symptoms need professional assessment.

What Happens If an Infected Tooth Is Not Treated?

A tooth with significant pulp infection generally requires dental treatment.

Without appropriate treatment, infection or inflammation may continue, symptoms may worsen and further tooth structure may be lost.

In some cases, infection can result in an abscess or affect tissues surrounding the tooth.

The treatment required depends on the tooth and clinical findings. Root canal treatment may be considered when the tooth can reasonably be cleaned, sealed and restored. If the tooth cannot be restored adequately, extraction may be discussed instead.

An early dental assessment can help identify the problem and clarify which treatment options remain available.

Is Root Canal Treatment Always the Right Option?

No.

Root canal treatment may be appropriate when the affected tooth can be predictably accessed, treated and restored, but it is not suitable for every damaged tooth.

For example, alternative treatment may need to be considered if a tooth has:

• A significant crack or fracture affecting restorability
• Extensive loss of tooth structure
• Severe periodontal support problems
• Other factors that make restoration unsuitable

Depending on the individual case, your dentist may discuss:

• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• Referral to an endodontist
• Restorative options after root canal treatment
• Tooth-replacement options if extraction is required
• Treatment costs and timeframes
• Potential risks and limitations

No single treatment is universally preferable. The appropriate recommendation depends on the tooth, surrounding tissues, your general and oral health, clinical findings and your treatment preferences.

How Long Can a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?

There is no guaranteed lifespan for a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.

Long-term outcomes depend on several factors, including:

• The condition of the tooth before treatment
• Remaining healthy tooth structure
• The complexity of the root canal system
• The quality and condition of the final restoration
• Your bite
• Oral hygiene
• Gum health
• Grinding or clenching
• New decay or fractures that develop later

A treated tooth may function for many years in suitable circumstances, but it can still develop problems and may require further treatment over time.

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor the tooth and its restoration.

How to Care for a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment

Follow the individual aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.

General recommendations may include:

• Avoid chewing particularly hard foods on the tooth before the final restoration is completed
• Brush and clean between your teeth as directed
• Keep the area clean
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
• Complete the recommended final restoration
• Contact your dentist if pain, swelling or bite discomfort worsens

If a temporary filling or restoration has been placed, follow any specific instructions about eating and cleaning until definitive treatment is completed.

Do not assume the tooth is ready for unrestricted use until your dentist confirms that the required treatment and restoration have been completed.

Root Canal Treatment in Alphington

If you are experiencing ongoing tooth pain, swelling, lingering sensitivity or another dental concern, an assessment can help establish what is causing the symptoms.

At Alphington Dental Care, your dentist can examine the tooth, gums and surrounding tissues and may recommend X-rays or other tests where appropriate.

If root canal treatment is considered suitable, your dentist can explain:

• Why treatment is being recommended
• What the procedure involves
• How many appointments may be required
• Potential risks and limitations
• Expected aftercare
• Whether a filling or crown may be required afterwards
• Alternative treatment options
• Relevant fees

If you would like to have a tooth assessed, you can book a dental appointment online.

Final Thoughts

Root canal treatment may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes significantly inflamed, infected or damaged and the tooth remains suitable for treatment and restoration.

Possible warning signs include ongoing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, discomfort when biting, swelling or significant tooth damage. However, these symptoms can have several different causes, so they should not be used to diagnose the problem yourself.

A dentist can examine the tooth, perform appropriate tests and discuss whether root canal treatment, another dental procedure or referral is suitable.

If you have tooth pain, swelling or concerns about a tooth, contact Alphington Dental Care to arrange an assessment and discuss your treatment options.

FAQs

What is a root canal?

A root canal is the natural channel inside the root of a tooth. The term is also commonly used to describe root canal treatment, in which damaged or infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the space is filled and sealed.

When might I need root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment may be considered when the pulp inside a tooth is significantly inflamed, infected or damaged and is unlikely to recover. A dentist needs to examine the tooth and may use X-rays and other tests before determining whether root canal treatment is appropriate.

What are possible signs of an infected tooth?

Possible signs include ongoing toothache, pain when biting, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling near the tooth or gum, an unpleasant taste or a pimple-like bump on the gum. These symptoms can have different causes, so a dental assessment is needed for diagnosis.

Is root canal treatment better than removing the tooth?

Neither option is automatically appropriate in every case. Root canal treatment may allow a suitable tooth to be retained if it can be adequately treated and restored. If a tooth is severely damaged or cannot be restored, extraction may need to be considered. Your dentist can explain the options after assessing the tooth.

How many appointments does root canal treatment take?

Root canal treatment may require one or more appointments. The number of visits depends on factors such as the tooth being treated, the complexity of its root canals, the presence of infection and the individual treatment plan.

Do you need a crown after root canal treatment?

Not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same final restoration. Depending on the tooth’s position, the amount of remaining tooth structure and biting forces, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown or another restoration. An individual assessment is needed to determine what is suitable.