Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth. This infection may spread through the root canal system and could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.
Root canal treatment involves the following:
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First, local anaesthetic will be administered and a plastic cover called a rubber dam placed over the tooth.
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The tooth will be prepared with a drill, allowing access to the root canal system.
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The root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned out to remove infection and pulp.
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The root canal system is then filled and sealed temporarily with a crown.
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The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is often permanently restored with a crown.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.
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Life Benefits
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Preservation of remaining healthy tooth structure.
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Prevention of infection spreading any further.
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Restoration of tooth to its natural look and feel.
For more information about Root canal treatments you can read more on the Oral Health Foundation's website here.