Inside each tooth there is a space called the root canal system that contains the nerve and blood supply of the tooth, known as the pulp.

When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it cannot heal on its own. The infection may cause:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling in the gum or face
• An abscess (pocket of pus)

Root canal treatment removes the infected or dead pulp, disinfects the root canals, and then seals them. Afterwards, the tooth can be restored and continue to function for many years.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

You may need root canal treatment if:

• You have a persistent, throbbing toothache
• Pain is worse at night or when lying down
• You feel sharp pain when biting or chewing
• The tooth is very sensitive to hot or cold for a long time
• You notice swelling or a pimple‑like bump on the gum near the tooth
• A tooth has turned darker after trauma
• An old deep filling or cavity is close to the nerve

Sometimes a tooth with a dead nerve causes little or no pain, and the infection is only seen on an X‑ray. That is why proper examination is essential.

Root Canal vs Extraction

When a tooth is badly infected, the usual options are:

• Root canal treatment, then restoration of the tooth
• Extraction (removing the tooth)

In many cases, saving the tooth with root canal treatment is better because:

• You keep your natural tooth for chewing and appearance
• Surrounding teeth do not drift into the gap
• You avoid or delay the need for replacement such as implants, bridges or dentures

We will always explain your options honestly. If the tooth is too damaged to be predictable, extraction and replacement may be the wiser choice. The right decision depends on the tooth, your general health and your long‑term plans.

How Root Canal Treatment Is Done

Many people imagine root canal treatment to be very complex, but it is a structured procedure. Depending on the tooth and the level of infection, it may take one or more visits.

1. Examination and Diagnosis

First we:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history
• Examine your teeth and gums
• Take X‑rays to see the roots and surrounding bone
• Perform tests on the tooth and neighbouring teeth

We then confirm whether a root canal is appropriate and explain the plan, number of visits and expected outcome.

2. Anaesthesia and Isolation

• Local anaesthetic is given so the tooth and surrounding area are numb
• A small rubber sheet called a rubber dam is usually placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva during treatment

You should feel pressure and movement but no sharp pain.

3. Access and Cleaning

• We make a small opening through the biting surface or back of the tooth to reach the pulp
• The infected or dead tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals
• Fine instruments are used to clean and shape the canals to the correct length
• An antibacterial solution is used to rinse and disinfect inside the canals

4. Medication and Temporary Filling (if done in multiple visits)

In many cases, we place medication inside the canals and close the tooth with a temporary filling. This allows the infection to settle further before final sealing.

5. Filling the Root Canals

Once the tooth is comfortable and the infection under control:

• The root canals are dried
• They are filled with a biocompatible material (often gutta‑percha) and a sealing cement
• The opening in the tooth is then filled with a permanent filling material or prepared for a crown

6. Final Restoration

Teeth that have had root canal treatment, especially back teeth, are often weaker and more likely to crack. In many cases we recommend a dental crown after root canal treatment to protect the tooth and restore full function.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

With good local anaesthetic, root canal treatment should not be painful. In fact, many patients feel significant relief once the infected tissue is cleaned out.

During the procedure you may feel:

• A brief sting from the anaesthetic injection
• Pressure and vibration from the instruments
• The tooth being rinsed and dried

Afterwards, it is common to have some tenderness when biting or mild ache around the tooth for a few days. This usually responds well to standard pain relief and settles as the inflammation around the tooth reduces.

If you are very anxious, tell us in advance. We can take extra time, explain every step and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Aftercare and Healing

After root canal treatment you should:

• Avoid chewing hard foods on that tooth until the final restoration is completed
• Take any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics as directed
• Continue brushing and flossing gently around the tooth
• Contact us if pain becomes severe, swelling increases or if the temporary filling feels loose

Once the final filling or crown is placed and the tooth feels comfortable, you can use it normally again.

Why a Crown Is Often Recommended After Root Canal

When decay or cracks go deep enough to require root canal treatment, a lot of tooth structure is usually lost. This makes the tooth more fragile.

A crown:

• Surrounds and protects the remaining tooth
• Helps prevent future fractures
• Provides a good seal against bacteria
• Distributes biting forces evenly

For front teeth with smaller access cavities, a strong filling may be enough. For most molars and heavily filled teeth, a crown is usually the safest long‑term option. We will explain what is best in your specific case.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Nairobi

The cost of root canal treatment depends on:

• Which tooth is affected (front teeth usually have fewer canals than molars)
• The complexity of the root anatomy and level of infection
• Whether previous treatment has failed and re‑treatment is needed
• The type of final restoration (filling or crown)

At Ridgepark Dental Clinic we provide a written treatment plan and fee estimate before starting. We can also discuss phasing treatment if further work such as a crown is required later.

Treating an infected tooth with root canal is often more cost‑effective in the long term than extracting it and later paying for an implant, bridge or denture.