Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) tackles infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). This is usually carried out when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth has become infected as a result from either trauma or decay. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out. The root is cleaned and shaped to receive a filling material and sealed with a filling. Root canal treatment usually requires two or three visits to your dentist.

It is important to look after your teeth when recovering from root canal treatment. You should also avoid biting on hard foods until all treatment is complete. Most people can help prevent the need for further root canal treatment by: maintaining good oral hygiene, being careful to avoid too much sugary food in your diet and quitting smoking, if you smoke.