Root Canal Treatment: Simple, Safe & Pain-Relieving

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

When this pulp becomes infected due to:

• Deep tooth decay
• Cracks or broken teeth
• Injury or trauma
• Repeated dental treatments

it can cause severe pain and infection.

Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the tooth from inside, and seals it, allowing the tooth to function normally again.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

You may need a root canal if you have:

• Continuous tooth pain
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long
• Swollen or tender gums
• A pus-filled swelling near the tooth
• Dark or discoloured tooth

Sometimes, infection may not cause pain initially, so regular dental check-ups are important.

How Is Root Canal Treatment Done?

Root canal treatment is usually completed in one or two visits.

Step-by-step process:

• Dental X-ray & examination : To check the infection and root shape
• Local anesthesia : The tooth is fully numbed – you will not feel pain
• Cleaning the infection : The dentist removes infected pulp and cleans the canals
• Filling and sealing : The canals are sealed to prevent reinfection
• Crown placement (recommended) : A crown strengthens the tooth and prevents fracture

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

No.

With modern anesthesia and equipment, root canal treatment is almost painless. Most patients say it feels similar to a regular filling.

After the procedure, mild discomfort may occur for 1–2 days and is easily managed with medication.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Saves your natural tooth
• Relieves tooth pain
• Stops spread of infection
• Restores chewing and biting
• Avoids tooth extraction
• Cost-effective in the long run

Keeping your natural tooth is always better than removing it.

What Happens If You Delay Root Canal Treatment?

Delaying treatment can cause:

• Severe pain and swelling
• Dental abscess
• Infection spreading to jawbone
• Tooth loss
• Need for implants or bridges

Early treatment gives better, faster, and safer results.

Care After Root Canal Treatment

• Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until crown placement
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Take prescribed medicines
• Visit your dentist for follow-up

With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime.