Root Canal Treatment

The much-dreaded root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the pulp (the innermost layer or chamber of the tooth containing the minute blood vessels and nerve fibres) becomes irreversibly damaged as a result of decay or trauma. The damaged pulp may also be infected and this may result in an abscess forming in the tooth.

The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp, clean and shape the associated root canals, then fill the root canals with gutta percha. The treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and may involve several visits.

Once the root canal treatment is done the tooth may need time to settle down before it is finally restored, often with a crown.