Treatments / Everyday dentistry
Root Canal Treatment
When decay or injury reaches the nerve inside a tooth, the tissue becomes infected and painful. Root canal treatment removes that tissue, disinfects and seals the canals, and keeps the natural tooth in place. An endodontist attends the clinic for the more complex cases.
Who this is for
- Persistent toothache, or pain that lingers after hot and cold
- A tooth that has darkened, or an abscess or swelling at the gum
- Deep decay or a fracture reaching the nerve
What actually happens
- X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and see the root anatomy
- Local anaesthetic, then cleaning and shaping of the canals
- Sealing the canals, usually in one or two appointments
- A crown afterwards on back teeth, which take the chewing load