Endodontic treatment involves carefully cleaning and disinfecting, then filling the root canal space, enabling a tooth to be retained which might otherwise require extraction.

If the pulp tissue (the soft tissue within the root canal space) becomes infected it can cause pain and may lead to infection in the surrounding bone (a dental abscess). The causes of this pulp infection can include dental decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks or trauma (knocks or blows) to a tooth.

The aim of root canal treatment is to eliminate the infection and inflammation in the root canal space and in the tissues beyond the end of the root. Having carefully cleaned the root canal space, it is filled and sealed to help prevent any further infection. The tooth is then temporarily sealed prior to your dentist restoring the tooth to protect it and restore it to function.

Because of the complexity of the root canal system, especially in back teeth, treatment may take two or more visits. A review appointment is usually made within the first year following treatment to assess the healing process. IS Endodontic Treatment Painful? By employing contemporary techniques and local anaesthetic solutions, most patients are comfortable during treatment. There may be some localised tenderness of the tooth for a few days after treatment which is usually relieved with simple analgesics.

When the root canal space has been filled, a report is sent to your regular dentist who will be asked to continue routine care.  In some cases this may include the provision of a crown to reduce the risk of tooth-fracture.

Endodontic treatment of some teeth may involve considerable technical challenges.  All the facilities required for such cases, including the operating microscope, ultrasonics and an electronic apex locator are routinely used at our practice.

Whilst the great majority of teeth are successfully treated, occasionally pain persists or healing of the infected areas is not complete and further treatm