If your tooth becomes infected or is badly decayed, you may need a Root Canal to repair and save your tooth.

As part of the procedure, the pulp and nerve of the tooth are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and then it is sealed up.
If you didn’t have this treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. Root Canal treatment is also known as Endodontics.

The infection can be painless in the early stages and in some cases the tooth could darken in colour, which means the nerve of the tooth ‘has died’. More commonly, it causes the tooth to become painful and, in extreme circumstances, it can lead to a swollen face or abscess. Once the infection is present it can’t heal and the only solution to treat it is by having root canal treatment; alternatively, the tooth will have to be removed.

What is the aim of the Root Canal Treatment?

The aim of the root canal treatment is to remove all infection from the canals. The root is then cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent further infection.

How many appointments would I need?

This may procedure requires two or more appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist will remove the infected pulp, and the infection will be drained. A temporary filling is then placed and the tooth is left to settle for two weeks. At a later appointment, the tooth is permanently filled and then a filling or a crown is placed. In some cases, the root canal treatment can be done in a single appointment only.

What if it hurts at a later date?

After you complete treatment, your restored tooth should no longer be painful, although it may feel sensitive for a few days. It is advisable to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve any discomfort and return to us if you still have pain or swelling after using painkillers as infection could reoccur.

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