Root Canal

About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (RCT) has an undeserved reputation for being painful. The truth is the opposite — root canal treatment relieves the severe pain caused by infected or inflamed tooth pulp. With modern techniques and effective anaesthesia, most patients find the procedure no more uncomfortable than a routine filling.

Inside every tooth, beneath the hard enamel, is a soft tissue called the pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected — due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental work — it causes intense pain and can lead to abscess formation if left untreated. Root canal treatment removes this infected tissue, cleans the root canals thoroughly, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection.

Saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction. Natural teeth are stronger than any replacement, maintain the integrity of your jawbone, and keep adjacent teeth from shifting. At Smylo Dental, our endodontists use rotary instruments and apex locators for precise, efficient treatment — often completed in a single appointment.

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How It Works

1

Diagnosis & X-Ray

A digital X-ray reveals the extent of infection and the anatomy of the root canals. Your dentist will confirm the diagnosis and explain the treatment plan.

2

Local Anaesthesia

The area around the affected tooth is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthesia. A rubber dam is placed to keep the area clean and dry throughout the procedure.

3

Pulp Removal & Canal Cleaning

The dentist creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth and removes the infected pulp. The root canals are then shaped and cleaned using fine rotary instruments.

4

Sealing the Canals

The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with dental cement to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

5

Crown Placement

A root canal-treated tooth becomes more brittle over time. A dental crown is placed over the tooth to restore its full strength, function, and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about root canal treatment at Smylo Dental.

No. Modern root canal treatment is performed under effective local anaesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. The pain you feel before treatment — from the infection — is far worse than the treatment itself.

Most cases at Smylo Dental are completed in 1–2 appointments. Complex cases with multiple canals or severe infection may require an additional visit. Your dentist will advise you at the consultation.

Antibiotics treat the acute infection temporarily but cannot eliminate the infected pulp tissue. Without treatment, the infection will return, spread to surrounding bone, or lead to abscess formation — potentially requiring extraction.

In most cases, yes. Root canal-treated teeth lose moisture over time and become more prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth and restores its full function. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is necessary for your specific tooth.

Mild tenderness for 2–3 days following treatment is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the day after treatment.

Ready for a healthier smile?

Book a consultation at Smylo Dental today.