Dental Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

At the core of each tooth is a soft mass of tissue called the pulp which contains living fibres, cells, nerves and a blood supply.

This extends through the root(s) of a tooth.

Tooth decay or injury can cause the death of this living pulp which will lead to toothache, infection and even an abscess.

Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left.  Front teeth usually have 1 root but back teeth will have 2 or more roots.  Each root and subsequent canal  has to be cleaned and filled individually. The entire procedure is usually completed in one visit but may take two or three appointments depending on the degree of infection.

Before and after
Before
After

The remaining tooth then has to be filled, usually with a crown or onlay as the tooth becomes very brittle and liable to fracture after a root canal treatment. Root fillings are usually very successful but infection can recur which may mean re-root treatment or removal of the tooth. For complex cases, we work with some of the UK’s top endodontists (Root canal specialists)

Video Footage

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

The Procedure

  • An infected tooth will often require opening and cleaning of the roots to drain the infection.
  • The roots are then shaped, sterilised and filled with a rubber based material.
  • The cavity on top requires a filling to seal the roots. The tooth will then need a crown or onlay to protect it.