ROOT CANAL TREATMENT (ENDODONTICS)
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection or irreversible inflammation of the nerve (or pulp) of a tooth. This may be caused by deep decay, a fracture of the tooth, or by severe periodontal disease.
The treatment involves cleaning out the infected chamber/inflamed nerve from inside the tooth, disinfecting the canal(s) and filling the inside back up with a material called gutta-percha. Prior to treatment your dentist will administer local anaesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Following root canal treatment, the affected tooth will usually require a dental crown to strengthen it and to protect it from further infections.
As with any treatment in medicine, root canal fillings are not 100% guaranteed – your dentist will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure and give you a written treatment plan to review. You are encouraged to ask any questions so that you feel fully informed.