Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the nerve of your tooth or its blood supply (the pulp) has been infected through decay, fracture lines or injury.

An infection in the pulp can cause an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects, and its symptoms range from a dull ache to a severe pain.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal and stop the infection from spreading to the jaw bone.

The alternative is to take the tooth out. The reason is that once the nerve is destroyed, it can’t heal and we would never recommend leaving an infected tooth in the mouth.

Although some people might prefer an extraction, we would recommend keeping as many of your natural teeth as possible.

The tooth is “Opened Up”-allowing the Dentist access to the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth- the infected pulp is removed and any abscesses are drained.
The root canals are cleaned out with differing instruments and Medicaments.
A temporary filling is put in and the tooth and left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
Root canal treatment sometimes requires several appointments.
Once the treatment is complete, the dentist will discuss additional recommendations (e.g. a crown) to strengthen the whole tooth .