Persistent toothache, sensitivity, swelling or pain when biting can sometimes indicate a problem affecting the soft tissue inside a tooth. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove the affected tissue and help preserve the natural tooth.
Laomai Medical Centre provides root canal treatment in Pretoria for patients with teeth affected by deep decay, infection, cracks, trauma or other damage involving the centre of the tooth.
Our dentist will first examine the affected tooth and determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate. If treatment is required, the aim is to clean and seal the inside of the tooth before restoring and protecting the remaining tooth structure.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth is an area containing soft tissue known as the dental pulp. This contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
Deep decay, cracks, repeated dental treatment or an injury can allow the pulp to become inflamed or infected. If this happens, treatment may be necessary even when the outside of the tooth still appears relatively normal.
Root canal treatment involves accessing the inside of the affected tooth, removing the damaged or infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals and filling them with material designed to seal the space. The tooth is then restored so that it can continue functioning.
The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment in Pretoria
Not every toothache requires root canal treatment. Tooth pain can have several causes, which is why an examination is important before deciding on treatment.
Symptoms that may occur when the pulp of a tooth has become significantly inflamed or infected can include:
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling around the tooth or gum
- A recurring swelling or small bump on the gum
- Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
- Pain following damage or trauma to a tooth
- A deeply decayed, cracked or broken tooth
Importantly, a tooth that requires root canal treatment does not always remain painful. In some cases, symptoms can reduce even though the pulp inside the tooth has been badly damaged.
A dental examination and, where appropriate, dental X-rays can help determine what is happening beneath the visible surface.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Why Might a Tooth Need Root Canal Treatment?
One of the most common reasons is decay that has progressed deeply into the tooth.
As decay moves through the harder outer layers, it can eventually reach the pulp. Bacteria can then cause inflammation or infection inside the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Root canal treatment may also become necessary after a tooth has cracked or broken, following dental trauma, or when previous extensive treatment has affected the pulp. Even an injured tooth without a visible crack can sometimes develop pulp damage.
The purpose of treatment is to remove the affected tissue and infection from inside the root canal system while retaining the natural tooth where this remains a suitable option.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment in Pretoria?
Your treatment begins with an assessment of the tooth, your symptoms and your dental history.
Dental X-rays may be needed to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures and assist with treatment planning.
Before treatment begins, local anaesthetic is normally used to numb the area. The dentist then creates an opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
The inflamed or infected tissue is removed, and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped. The cleaned root canal system is then filled and sealed.
Depending on the condition and complexity of the tooth, treatment may be completed over more than one appointment. A temporary filling may sometimes be used between appointments before the tooth receives its final restoration.
Our dentist will explain what is required for your particular tooth before proceeding.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Fear of pain is one of the biggest concerns patients have when they hear that they may need root canal treatment.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area during treatment. Modern root canal treatment is generally performed while the area is numb, although the experience can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and individual patient.
The tooth and surrounding area can feel tender or sore for a period after treatment, particularly if there was already inflammation or infection before the procedure. This discomfort should generally improve as the area settles.
If you are nervous about dental treatment, tell our team when arranging your appointment so your concerns can be discussed before treatment begins.
Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Extraction?
A painful or infected tooth does not automatically need to be removed.
When the tooth has enough healthy structure remaining and can be successfully restored, root canal treatment may allow the natural tooth to be retained. Extraction removes the entire tooth and may create a space that later needs to be managed depending on its position and your dental needs.
However, root canal treatment is not suitable for every tooth. A tooth may be too extensively fractured, have insufficient remaining structure or have other problems that make restoration impractical.
Our dentist will examine the tooth and discuss whether attempting to preserve it through root canal treatment or removing it is the more appropriate option.
Will I Need a Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
A tooth still needs to be properly restored after the root canal system has been treated.
Depending on how much natural tooth structure remains and where the tooth is located, a filling or dental crown may be recommended. Back teeth in particular often experience substantial chewing forces, and a crown is commonly considered when additional protection is required after root canal treatment.
The final restoration helps seal the tooth and restore its shape and function.
Our dentist will assess how much healthy tooth remains and explain which restoration is appropriate for your situation.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Root Canal Treatment for a Broken or Cracked Tooth
A crack or fracture can sometimes extend deeply enough to affect the pulp inside the tooth.
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected but the tooth can still be restored, root canal treatment may form part of the overall treatment plan. The tooth may then require further restoration to protect the remaining structure.
Not every cracked tooth can be saved, however. The position and extent of the fracture are important factors, so the tooth needs to be assessed before treatment can be recommended.
If you have recently broken a tooth and have developed persistent pain, sensitivity or swelling, arrange an examination rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment
The local anaesthetic can leave the mouth feeling numb for several hours following treatment.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, some tenderness around the treated tooth can occur. Patients should follow the aftercare advice provided by their dentist and continue maintaining good oral hygiene around the area.
Until a tooth has received its final restoration, extra care may be needed when chewing on it.
Contact the practice if you experience severe pain or pressure that persists, visible swelling, the return of your original symptoms, or if a temporary filling or restoration comes out.
Regular dental care remains important after root canal treatment because the treated tooth and its restoration still need to be looked after.
Can a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Become a Problem Again?
Root canal treatment is intended to eliminate infection from inside the root canal system and preserve the tooth, but no dental treatment can guarantee that a tooth will never develop another problem.
Occasionally, a previously treated tooth may fail to heal as expected or develop symptoms months or years later. Further assessment is necessary if a root canal-treated tooth develops new pain, swelling or other symptoms.
The appropriate treatment will depend on what is causing the new problem and the condition of the remaining tooth.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
When Tooth Pain Needs Prompt Dental Attention
Do not ignore severe toothache, increasing swelling or signs of a dental infection.
Contact Laomai Medical Centre promptly if pain is becoming progressively worse, swelling is developing around the tooth or face, or you are struggling to eat or sleep because of the problem.
Severe facial or neck swelling that affects breathing or swallowing requires urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
Root Canal Treatment for Pretoria and Surrounding Areas
Laomai Medical Centre provides root canal treatment from our dental practice in Pretoria Central.
We welcome patients from across Pretoria and surrounding areas, including Sunnyside, Arcadia, Muckleneuk, Hatfield, Gezina, Pretoria West, the Moot and nearby communities.
Whether you have persistent toothache, have been told that a tooth may need root canal treatment or are unsure whether a painful tooth can still be saved, our dentist can examine the tooth and explain your treatment options.
Book a Root Canal Appointment in Pretoria
Persistent tooth pain or infection should be assessed before the condition becomes more difficult to manage.
Visit Laomai Medical Centre for professional root canal treatment in Pretoria. Our dentist will examine the affected tooth, explain the findings and determine whether root canal treatment is an appropriate way to treat the problem and preserve your natural tooth.