Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is undertaken to remove an infection and the damaged nerve, deep inside the root of a tooth.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
In the middle of each tooth there's a core of blood vessels and nerves called pulp. The pulp sits inside a space called the root canal. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite and can cause swelling around your tooth and jaw.
Sometimes your tooth may look darker in colour than your other teeth, which means that the nerve inside your tooth is dead or dying. Without treatment the infection may spread further into your jawbone and you may need to have the tooth taken out.
Why do I need a crown?
Sometimes crowns are needed because of aesthetic considerations but mainly it's due to a lack of remaining tooth structure. Most commonly, a tooth that has a large filling or has sustained a fracture will need a crown.
What is a specialist endodontist?
A specialist endodontist is a dentist who has undergone specialist training to perform root canal treatment and works with special instruments under magnification, to ensure even the most complicated cases are thoroughly and effectively treated.