Services
Root Canal Treatment
The centre of a tooth contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, collectively known as dental pulp. The areas of dental pulp within a root are called root canals. If this tissue dies or becomes damaged, toothache or an abscess may result. Traditionally these teeth were extracted but now a root canal treatment can be offered. Circumstances in which a root canal treatment may be recommended include decay, deep fillings, trauma, tooth fracture and infection.
Your dentist will take an x-ray to determine the health and location of the dental pulp. Your dentist will drill a hole through the top of your tooth to access the root canals. They will clean and shape the root canals with a dental file and wash with a sterilising solution. The root canals can then be filled with a permanent filling.
Some teeth requiring root canal treatment are so badly damaged they will require a crown. These teeth are also weaker than natural teeth and a crown will provide more protection.