Root Canal Treatment - Hampstead Dental

Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know

At Hampstead Dental Practice, we understand that the words “root canal” can cause a bit of anxiety—but we’re here to reassure you: modern root canal treatment is comfortable, effective, and means you can keep your natural tooth for longer.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to save a tooth that’s been badly decayed, damaged, or infected. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected—often due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures—it can cause pain and swelling. That’s where a root canal comes in.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Root canal treatment involves a few key steps:

1. Numbing the area – We start by gently numbing your tooth and surrounding area, so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
2. Cleaning the infection – We remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and clean the canals thoroughly to prevent further infection.
3. Sealing the tooth – Once clean, the canals are filled and sealed to protect the tooth.
4. Restoring the tooth – In most cases, we’ll place a crown on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

The entire process typically takes two to three visits, depending on your specific case.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

It’s a common myth that root canals are painful. In reality, most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. Thanks to modern techniques and anaesthesia, root canal treatment today is safe, efficient, and virtually pain-free. In fact, many patients report immediate relief from the discomfort caused by the infection.

Why Save the Tooth?

Keeping your natural teeth, whenever possible, is important. A root canal can help preserve your tooth structure, maintain your natural bite, and avoid the need for more complex procedures like implants or bridges. With proper care, a tooth that’s had a root canal can last a long time.

When Should I See a Dentist?

You may need a root canal if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen or tender gums
• Darkening of the tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gums

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. The sooner we treat the problem, the better the outcome.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

At Hampstead Dental Practice, we’re committed to making your dental care as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you think you might need a root canal—or if you just want to learn more—give us a call or schedule a consultation. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your care.

📞 Call (08) 7320 3570 to schedule your next visit