What is RCT?
Root canal treatment (RCT) removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and shapes the inner canal, and seals it — allowing a badly damaged or infected tooth to be saved rather than extracted.
Symptoms That May Require RCT
Common signs include lingering tooth pain (especially with hot or cold), pain when biting or chewing, swelling near a tooth, or a tooth that has darkened. Not every toothache needs RCT — an examination and, often, an X-ray confirms whether it's necessary.
Diagnosis & Treatment Process
After confirming the diagnosis, the tooth is numbed, the infected tissue is removed, the canal is cleaned and shaped, and then sealed. We won't describe this as a 100% painless procedure — your dentist will explain anesthesia and what discomfort, if any, to expect during recovery.
Restoring the Tooth After RCT
A tooth that's had root canal treatment often needs a crown afterward to protect it from fracturing, since it can become more brittle over time. Your dentist will advise whether this applies to your tooth.
