Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). 

Root canal treatment is also called Endodontics. The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth when:

• Tooth decay occurs
• Broken leaking fillings
• Teeth are damaged by trauma, such as a fall

The Root Canal System

The root canal system contains the dental pulp and extends from the crown of the tooth to the end of the root. A single tooth can have more than one root canal.

The pulp is made up of soft tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels. If bacteria infect the pulp, it will begin to die. After this, the bacteria will increase in number. The bacteria and the substances they release will eventually pass out of the end of the root canal through the small hole where the blood vessels and nerves enter.

This process continues as there is nothing to stop more bacteria passing down the root canal, which causes the tissues around the end of the tooth to become red and swollen, This can cause your tooth to become painful, and in extreme circumstances, your face may become swollen (dental abscess).