ENDODONTICS

Root canal treatment or endodontics involves work inside the root of the tooth. It becomes necessary when the nerve of the tooth has died and become infected, or because it has become inflamed and painful.

The aim of the treatment is to clean out the nerve canals, removing any dead tissue in order to fill these canals, preventing bacteria from causing an ongoing infection.

Treatment usually takes one or two appointments carried out under local anaesthetic and should not be uncomfortable. In some cases more appointments may be required, depending on many factors such as the length and shape of the canals.

Once completed, root filled teeth are more prone to cracking, which is why your dentist will usually recommend that a crown is placed on the tooth to protect it in the future.