Each tooth has a space inside that contains the nerve and blood supply for the tooth. Following trauma or deep decay the nerve may be permanently damaged and a root canal treatment may be recommended.
30 minutes - 2 hours
Consultation
Root Canal treatment is usually undertaken if your Clinician thinks that the tooth is infected (dental abscess). They may request an X-ray to confirm this.
Treatment
Normally root canal procedure will be carried out under local anaesthetic. The procedure is like having a filling done, but it takes longer as root fillings are more complex.
The root canal(s) are cleaned out using specialised instruments to make sure all bacteria are removed.
Once your clinician is satisfied all bacteria have been removed the root canal will be filled and the tooth sealed using either a filling or a crown.
Aftercare and Recovery
Your teeth may take some time to settle so it is important to look after your teeth when recovering from root canal treatment. You may feel some tenderness in that area, but this will be temporary.
It is best to avoid biting or chewing on hard foods for a while. You should also avoid smoking until the area is fully healed.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and not consuming too much sugary foods can help prevent against future root canal problems.
