Few dental words carry more baggage than root canal. Here's the honest truth from the chair: with modern anaesthetic and technique, most people tell us afterwards it felt about the same as getting a filling. It just takes a bit longer. This is exactly what happens, step by step.
First, why you'd need one
Deep inside every tooth is a soft core of nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay or a crack lets bacteria reach it, the nerve becomes inflamed and then infected, and that's the throbbing toothache that keeps people up at night. A root canal removes the infected tissue so you can keep the tooth. The alternative is usually taking the tooth out.
The steps, in order
Here's the whole procedure as it happens:
- 1/We numb the tooth thoroughly with local anaesthetic and wait until you're completely comfortable. You'll feel pressure during the visit, not pain, and if you feel anything more we stop and top up.
- 2/A small protective sheet goes around the tooth to keep it clean and dry while we work.
- 3/We make a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the infected core.
- 4/Using fine instruments, we clean out the infected tissue and gently shape the narrow canals inside the roots. This is the longest part, and mostly what you'll notice is that it's a bit boring.
- 5/The canals are washed with a disinfecting rinse, then dried.
- 6/The cleaned canals are sealed with a rubbery filling material so bacteria can't get back in.
- 7/The tooth is closed with a filling. For back teeth we'll usually recommend a crown afterwards, because a tooth that's had a root canal becomes more brittle over time.
How long it takes, and how it feels afterwards
Plan for one to two visits of about an hour each, depending on the tooth. Front teeth have one canal and are quicker; molars have three or four and take longer.
Afterwards, the area is usually tender for a few days, a bit like a deep bruise. Simple pain relief handles it for most people, and the relief from the original toothache tends to arrive almost immediately. If pain gets worse instead of better, call us and we'll take a look.
The honest cost conversation
Root canal treatment is one of the bigger investments in dentistry, which is why we always examine the tooth first and give you a written quote before anything starts. We'll also tell you honestly if the tooth isn't worth saving, because sometimes it isn't, and you deserve a straight answer either way.
Quick questions
- Is a root canal painful?
- The procedure itself shouldn't be. You're thoroughly numbed and we check before starting. The days before, when the tooth is infected, are usually the painful part.
- Can I drive home afterwards?
- Yes. Local anaesthetic doesn't affect your ability to drive. Your lip and cheek will feel numb for a few hours, so save the hot coffee for later.
Sources: New Zealand Dental Association, patient guidance on root canal treatment. This article is general information, not a substitute for an examination and personal advice from a dentist. If you're in pain or unsure, book a visit or call 09 964 0508.
