Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth. Part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth, it consists of the pulp chamber, the main canal(s), nerves and other anatomical structures such as blood vessels are cased within the root canals.

Root canal therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) in order to save the tooth.

The most common factors contributing to the need for root canal are

Deep decay

Very large fillings

Trauma

Severe gum disease

    Root canal treatment is done when decay will likely damage or has already killed a tooth. During this procedure, the pulp from the center and root canals is removed and the space is disinfected and a filling is given to seal it.

   This can prevent the development of a painful infection in the pulp that may spread to other teeth. A root canal can also treat an infection that has developed into an abscessed tooth. This procedure can relieve toothache, stop infection, and promote healing.

   Following this the tooth would require a crown / cap to prevent it from fracture as the tooth turns brittle due to loss of the pulp and underlying tooth structure.