What it is
Root canal treatment removes infected or dying nerve tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and lets you keep the tooth. It has an unfair reputation: with modern anaesthetic it feels like a long filling, and it is what stops the toothache.
What to expect
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The tooth is thoroughly numbed and isolated with a small rubber sheet to keep it clean and dry.
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The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. This may happen over one or two visits depending on the tooth.
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The canals are sealed and the tooth is closed with a filling. Back teeth usually need a crown afterwards to prevent cracking.
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Some tenderness for a few days is normal. The original pain is usually gone immediately.
Common questions
Is a root canal painful?
Not with modern techniques. The tooth is completely numb. Most people say the worst part was the toothache before they came in.
Why not just take the tooth out?
Keeping your own tooth is almost always better for your bite and your other teeth, and cheaper than replacing it with an implant or bridge.
How much does it cost?
From $950 for a front tooth to around $1,600 for a molar, plus the crown if needed. We quote before starting and can split it across visits.