Root canal therapy helps to save infected teeth
Root canal therapy is required when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth becomes infected. If the pulp becomes infected the infection may spread through the root system and may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment is not completed the infection will spread and in the long term the tooth may need to be extracted.
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. The infected pulp is removed, and any abscess drained. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth and it will be left to settle for a couple of weeks. Once all the infection has cleared the tooth will be permanently filled. In order to strengthen and protect the tooth it may be necessary to crown the tooth at a later date
Advantages
Root canal treatment will relieve your toothache – by removing the infected pulp and nerve you can be pain free.
Root canal treatment will save your tooth – if left untreated an infection in the pulp of your tooth can cause the tooth structure to deteriorate, meaning the tooth may need to be extracted.
Root canal treatment improves your overall health– if left untreated the infection in your tooth can spread. Undergoing root canal treatment is a proactive way to protect your wellbeing and maintain a beautiful smile.