Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed to save a badly damaged or infected tooth when the nerve has become infected or is causing pain. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread, and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Root canal therapy is done over a few visits and our dentists take care to ensure the procedure is as painless as possible.

Root canal therapy treatment

Root canal treatment can be prescribed for a number of reasons:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth fracture or trauma
• Tooth or gum infection

Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and recommend the course of treatment, ensuring you understand what’s going on with your oral health so you’re empowered to make a decision.

These common symptoms can be a sign that you need root canal therapy:

• Inflammation of the gums
• Feeling pressure under a tooth
• Pain or sensitivity when brushing or drinking hot or cold beverages
• Discoloured tooth
• Bitter taste in your mouth

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.