Root canal treatment is commonly known as a root filling or Endodontics. Contrary to popular belief, the treatment is not usually painful. All teeth have a central core known as the pulp – which is the soft tissue within the centre of the tooth, containing nerve fibres and small blood vessels. The root canal system consists of this pulp, and it encompasses the crown of the tooth up to the end of the root. This procedure involves removing damaged, dead or infected pulp, and filling the space that’s left behind.

Root canal treatment is recommended when a tooth shows signs of infection or significant pulpal nerve damage. When a tooth is cracked or has a significant cavity, bacteria is able to enter the pulp , and if left untreated, can lead to serious infection, pain, bone loss, or the loss of the tooth itself.

The procedure of a root canal can sound very scary but there is very little to no pain because your dentist will use local anaesthetic to numb your tooth and gums so you are comfortable and pain free throughout the procedure. However, if your infection is quite severe it might take longer than usual to numb the whole area.

Before starting the root canal treatment, our dentist will take a series of X-rays of the affected tooth. This allows them to build up a clear picture of the root canal and assess the extent of any damage.
Root canal treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the gum around it.
In some cases, where the tooth has died and is no longer sensitive, it may not be necessary to use a local anaesthetic.
Following this, the dentist will place a rubber sheet(dam) around the tooth to ensure it’s dry during treatment. The dam also prevents you from swallowing or breathing in any chemicals/medications the dentist uses. Our dentist will then make a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp. Using specialised tools, they will remove the pulp and clean out the root canals to ensure that there is no infection left in the tooth. If you have a dental abscess, which is pus filled swelling, your dentist will be able to drain it at the same time.
The root canals are very narrow, which makes it difficult to fill. Our dentist will use a series of small files to enlarge the canals and make them a regular shape so they can be filled. This part of the treatment can take from an hour to 2 or is carried out over 2/3 visits depending on the extent of infection and the number of canals. Once the canals are clean and shaped, the root canal filling will be inserted. The dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how
to care for your tooth after the procedure.

An untreated root canal can not only result in bone loss and infection but can also result in an acute abscess. An abscess is the formation of pus on the infected tissue in and around the tooth which ultimately can lead to loss of the tooth. We always advise the patients to preserve the natural tooth where possible.

Yes. However, as a dead tooth is more brittle, it may be necessary to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

After a root canal treatment, it’s important to take special care of the affected tooth for a few weeks or until your tooth is fully restored by the treating dentist. You can brush and floss as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. Avoid chewing on hard foods or using the treated tooth for biting down heavily until you have been cleared by your dentist.

Root canal treatment is usually safe during pregnancy especially if you are experiencing pain and infection, do let your dentist know if you are pregnant.

Yes. Root canal treatment can be performed through a crown or bridgework. However, occasionally the crowns and bridge may require removal prior to root canal treatment or replacement post root canal treatment.