Why?

This is necessary if the tooth has died and is often because decay has penetrated both the enamel and the dentine to reach the centre of the tooth.

It is therefore important to clean the infected centre of the tooth and replace it with a sterile root canal filling.

This may take 1 or 2 visits. Back teeth have several roots and take a little longer to treat. Your dentist will advise you on the treatment time.

First visit

• All infected tissue in the tooth is removed.

• The canals are prepared, cleaned and dried.

• A dressing is placed.

Second visit

• A rubber dam is placed to keep the area sterile.

• X-rays will be taken to determine the length of the root canals.

• The canals are cleaned and dried.

• A rubber (gutta percha) filling is placed in the root canals.

• A permanent filling is placed in the tooth.

• A final X-ray is taken.

If you experience any soreness after the treatment this can usually be eased with your normal painkiller.

After several months a crown will usually be required to prevent the root treated tooth from fracturing.