Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp of a tooth is infected through decay or injury. The symptoms of an infected root canal can range from dull ache to severe pain. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth usually needs to be extracted

The aim of the treatment is to remove all the infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.