Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is required when the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes infected.

Root canal treatment involves opening the tooth to remove any infected tissue and the damaged nerve. The dentist will then disinfect the root canals to prevent the infection from reoccurring and will seal the tooth with a filling to prevent further damage. All of this is completed under local anaesthetic, so you will feel no pain. You may however experience some discomfort in the days following treatment but can be managed using over the counter pain killers. It may be necessary to crown the tooth at a later date to strengthen and protect the tooth.

Advantages

Root canal treatment avoids a tooth extraction – It is always best to avoid extractions wherever possible and root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Root canal treatment will relieve your toothache – by removing the infected pulp and nerve you can be pain free.

Root canal treatment improves your overall health – if left untreated the infection in your tooth can spread to other parts of your body. Undergoing root canal treatment is a proactive way to protect your wellbeing and maintain a beautiful smile.

Root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure – in most cases undergoing a root canal treatment is similar to having a filling placed.