Treatments

 

 

Root Canal Treatment

 

Decay or injury can destroy the living pulp. Because dead pulp lacks a blood supply, it is more prone to infection, leading to an abscess and toothache.

 

Root canal treatment (also  endodontics) means removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left.

 

If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted. The aim of RCT is to remove all infection from the root canal.

 

The root is then cleaned thoroughly, sometimes over several appointments if necessary depending on the extent of the symptoms and infection, and filled to prevent any further infection. RCT is a skilled and time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to the dentist.

 

Teeth that have been saved with root canal therapy will need crown coverage over them to stop them splitting and to improve their appearance.