Root canal therapy is a complex procedure done by dentists to save teeth with severe problems. It is usually done when the pulp (nerve) of the tooth is dead or dying, to cure infection and stop pain. It also prevents further infection later in the tooth's life.

How does the Pulp die?

There are many ways, including a blow to the tooth, although tooth decay is the most common way for tooth pulp to die. It happens in stages:

Early decay penetrates enamel. Once in the dentine, decay spreads more rapidly because dentine is softer than enamel. At this stage the pulp is still alive, and the tooth may become sensitive to cold air or hot and cold food or drinks (especially to cold).

If the decay is not removed it will spread further through the dentine, eventually reaching the pulp of the tooth. At this stage it becomes sensitive to hot as well as to cold. It is also often tender to bite on.

Bacteria grow in the root canals, forming an infection which diffuses through the end of the tooth and into the bone underneath. This infected area is called an abscess.

Cleaning the tooth

The first part of root treatment is getting rid of the infected material inside the tooth. Very fine instruments are used to gently smooth the insides of the roor canals. At the same time a disinfectant is used to wash the inside of the tooth.

The root filling

Once the root canals are clean, they must be filled. The filling seals the root canal to prevent further infection. The root canal treatment is now complete.

After root canal therapy

After it is has been retreated it can be weaker than before. Root filled teeth are often more brittle, and a significant amount of tooth substance will have to be removed to perform the root treatment. Your dentist may recommend a crown or an inlay to strengthen that root filled tooth.