Does a root canal actually hurt?

During treatment, no — the tooth is fully numbed, so you feel pressure but not pain. For a few days afterwards the tooth can feel tender, particularly when biting, which usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief. For most people it's noticeably more comfortable than the toothache they came in with.

How many appointments does it take?

Often one or two. A straightforward tooth may be completed in a single visit; an actively infected one is sometimes cleaned and dressed with medication first, then finished at a second appointment. The crown that protects the tooth afterwards is usually a separate visit.

Do I really need a crown afterwards?

For back teeth, almost always. A root-treated tooth is more brittle and can crack under chewing forces, and losing it that way would undo the treatment that saved it. Front teeth, which take less load, don't always need one — we'll advise based on the tooth.

Can a root-treated tooth get infected again?

It's uncommon, but possible if bacteria find their way back in. When it happens, the tooth can often be saved a second time with retreatment. Good hygiene and a well-fitted crown keep the risk low.

Root Canal

Saving your natural
tooth.

When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth — so it can be kept rather than lost.

Cavity Treatment Root Canal Periodontal Prosthetics Wisdom Tooth

Accredited

Preserving your own teeth

Keeping your natural tooth is our priority — and a root canal is often what makes that possible.

When bacteria from a cavity, or harmful irritation, reach the nerve (pulp) inside a tooth, it can become infected or inflamed. Root canal treatment removes that damaged tissue, cleans the space it occupied, and fills it with a suitable material — using magnification to reach areas that are otherwise hard to see.

The process

How a root canal works.

Diagnosis

We examine the tooth and take X-rays to confirm whether root canal treatment is needed.

Anaesthetic & access

The area is numbed for comfort, then a small opening is made to reach the pulp chamber inside the tooth.

Clean & disinfect

The damaged nerve tissue is carefully removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Fill & restore

The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material, then the tooth is protected with a filling or crown.

Common questions

Root canal, answered.

Aftercare

Looking after the treated tooth.

If you have any discomfort afterwards, over-the-counter pain relief or anything we prescribe can help.
Avoid eating for about 2 hours, until the anaesthetic wears off and any temporary filling has set.
Try not to chew on the treated tooth, so you don't break it or dislodge a temporary filling.
Because a treated tooth is prone to fracture, it's important to have it restored with a crown or filling.

Keep the tooth you already have.

Book a consultation at Hornsby and we'll assess whether a root canal can save your tooth — with dentists who speak English, 한국어, 中文 and 日本語.

Book a consultation

The number of visits and outcome of root canal treatment vary between individuals depending on the tooth and the extent of infection, and any associated risks are discussed with you before treatment.

Looking after the treated tooth.

If you have any discomfort afterwards, over-the-counter pain relief or anything we prescribe can help.

Avoid eating for about 2 hours, until the anaesthetic wears off and any temporary filling has set.

Try not to chew on the treated tooth, so you don't break it or dislodge a temporary filling.

Because a treated tooth is prone to fracture, it's important to have it restored with a crown or filling.