Root canal
When decay reaches the nerve, or a knock damages it, the pain arrives and no longer settles on its own. A root canal removes that diseased tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them. The tooth stops hurting and stays in your mouth — that is the difference from an extraction.
When to come in
- Strong, spontaneous pain, especially at night.
- Lingering pain to cold or heat that continues after the stimulus is gone.
- Discomfort when biting, or a swollen gum beside a tooth.
- A tooth that darkened after an injury.
What you should know
A root canal is not finished when the canals are sealed. Without its final restoration the tooth can fracture and be lost despite the treatment. If you are travelling, plan for both parts — ask us before you book your return flight.
How the visit goes
Diagnosis
X-ray and vitality tests to confirm the nerve is involved and rule out other causes.
Treatment
Under local anaesthetic the diseased tissue is removed, the canals cleaned and sealed.
Restoration
The tooth is left weakened and needs a filling or a crown before you can chew on it safely.
Common questions
Is a root canal as painful as people say?
The reputation comes from people arriving with the pain already established. The treatment is done under local anaesthetic and its purpose is to remove that pain. Mild soreness when biting for a few days is expected.
How many visits does it take?
It depends on the tooth and whether there is infection. One visit may be enough, or two to three may be needed. The doctor will tell you after seeing the X-ray, not before.
I am only here for a week. Is that enough?
Often yes for the root canal itself, but the final crown may need more time. Write to us with your dates before you travel and we will tell you what is realistic.
Other treatments
Dental cleaning
Scaling and polishing. The routine visit — and the one that catches what doesn't hurt yet.
Dental implants
Replaces a missing tooth with its own root, so nothing moves when you chew.
General dentistry
Fillings, crowns, extractions and the regular check-up.
Smile design
Whitening, veneers and composite work — planned before any tooth is touched.
Shall we book it?
Write to us and we will tell you what is available. If you are travelling, send your dates and we will say plainly whether they are realistic.