Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment saves a tooth that is badly decayed, infected or damaged. Instead of removing the tooth, we clean the inside, stop the infection and restore it.
Overview
Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged nerve tissue (pulp) from inside a tooth, disinfects and seals the root canals, and restores the tooth, usually with a filling or crown. At Rubi Smile it is carried out under local anaesthetic to relieve pain and keep your natural tooth.
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic
- Goal
- Relieve pain, save the tooth
- Usually followed by
- A filling or crown
- Alternative
- Extraction and replacement
Keeping your own tooth helps maintain your bite, your jawbone and the balance of your smile, and avoids extraction and more complex replacements.
If you have signs such as persistent toothache, it is important to have the tooth checked as soon as possible.
Is it right for you?
Often suitable when
- Strong toothache, especially when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away
- Swelling or tenderness of the gum near one tooth
- A tooth that has turned darker or grey
- Pain when touching or pressing on the tooth
Another option may be better when
- The tooth is cracked below the gum or cannot be restored: extraction and an implant may be better
- Very limited remaining tooth structure
How the treatment works
The tooth is fully numbed. The dentist opens the tooth from the top, removes the infected or damaged pulp and carefully cleans the root canals. The canals are disinfected and filled with a biocompatible material to seal them. The tooth is then restored with a filling or a crown.
Assessment and planning
An X-ray shows the shape and number of root canals and the extent of infection. If a crown is needed afterwards, we include it in your plan.
Treatment stages
Numbing
The area is fully anaesthetised.
Cleaning
Infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned.
Disinfection and sealing
The canals are disinfected and filled.
Restoration
A filling or crown restores function and appearance.
Recovery and aftercare
Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it has its final restoration.
Risks and limitations
- Persistent infection may need retreatment
- A root-treated tooth can become brittle without a crown
- Complex canal anatomy can make treatment more difficult
- Instrument separation or perforation (uncommon)
Longevity and maintenance
With good oral care, a well-restored root-treated tooth can stay in your mouth and work normally for many years.
What affects the cost
- Number of canals
- Whether retreatment is needed
- The final restoration (filling or crown)
We do not publish fixed prices because every plan is different. After reviewing your X-rays or scans, we send a written, itemised quote.
If you are travelling to us
Root canal treatment may need one or more appointments. If you are travelling for cosmetic treatment and a tooth needs root canal treatment first, your plan will show how this affects timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth is numbed, so treatment should not be painful. Many patients find it relieves the pain they had before.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Often, especially for back teeth, because root-treated teeth can become brittle. Your dentist will advise.
Written by the Rubi Smile patient team to explain treatment options in plain language. Clinical review by a Rubi Smile dentist is scheduled before publication. Pending clinical review
Related treatments
Dental Crowns
A custom cap that restores the shape, strength and appearance of a damaged tooth.
Dental Implants
A titanium root and a fixed crown to replace one tooth, several teeth or support a bridge.
Gum Contouring
Gentle reshaping of the gum line to reduce a gummy smile or correct uneven gums.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
Send us your questions and, if you have them, recent X-rays or photos. A dentist reviews your case and our coordinators explain the options, the likely timeline and the cost before you plan any travel.