When is a root canal needed?
Inside every tooth lies the dental pulp with nerve and blood vessels. If bacteria penetrate that far — for example through deep caries, a crack or an accident — the tissue becomes inflamed. This often causes severe pain and can lead to inflammation at the root tip. Root canal treatment removes the inflamed tissue and preserves the tooth instead of extracting it.
Does a root canal hurt?
That is the most stubborn myth. In fact it is the pain beforehand — from the inflamed nerve — that is remembered as so unpleasant. The treatment itself is carried out under local anaesthesia and is nowadays generally low in pain. It takes away the pain, it does not cause it.
How it works
- AnaesthesiaThe tooth and surrounding area are locally anaesthetised — you feel no pain.
- Cleaning the canalsThe inflamed tissue is removed, the fine root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- SealingThe canals are tightly filled so no bacteria can enter any more.
- Stable build-upThe tooth is rebuilt — with greater loss of substance, usually protected with a crown.
A root-treated tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fracture over time. A <a href="/en/blog/zahnkrone-ablauf-material-kosten">crown</a> (from CHF 1’900) protects it and makes it fully load-bearing again.
Your own tooth instead of a gap
With timely treatment the prognosis is good — and a preserved natural tooth is almost always the better solution than a gap or a replacement. Do you have persistent or throbbing toothache? Don't wait. Arrange an assessment at our practice at Löwenplatz in Zurich — you can find more about our dental crowns on the treatment page.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.
