Root canal therapy is a procedure that can save a tooth when the nerve inside becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen for a variety of reasons such as trauma, dental decay, deep fillings or severe tooth wear. Often when this treatment is required the tooth can become very painful and develop signs such as sensitivity to hot and cold, pain on biting, aching and swelling.
Root canal therapy involves cleaning out the inside of the tooth using specialised instruments and then filling the freshly cleaned nerve canals with a biocompatible material. During the procedure, your tooth will be anaesthetised and the treatment will be similar to having a normal filling completed. After receiving a root canal therapy it is often recommended to protect the weakened tooth with a porcelain filling or crown.
