Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is excellent for saving a tooth that may be severely decayed or damaged, and which would otherwise have to be removed. This procedure will quickly relieve any discomfort or pain, and it should feel little different to having an ordinary dental filling.

Treatment is necessary when the innermost part of the tooth, called the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed. Removing the dental pulp eliminates the infection and inflammation, allowing the tooth to be fully restored. An adult tooth can survive perfectly well without the pulp as it is only needed when the tooth is developing.

What is the Procedure for Root Canal Treatment?

Your tooth is numbed using a local anaesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure. The dental pulp is removed, including tissue extending into the tooth roots and the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A filling material is placed inside the tooth and often the filling is temporary, to ensure the infection is eliminated before the tooth is permanently sealed and restored. Most teeth that have received root canal treatment are restored with a full dental crown, protecting the damaged tooth so you can bite, chew, smile and talk comfortably and without any pain.