Root canal treatment (endodontics)
Cleaning and sealing the canals in the root of a tooth whose nerve is inflamed or infected.
What it is
Every tooth has one or more canals inside, holding the nerve and blood vessels. When these become inflamed or infected, usually after deep decay, root canal treatment cleans, disinfects and seals them, and the tooth stays in your mouth.
When it is needed
With pain that comes on its own or wakes you at night, lingering sensitivity to heat, an abscess or a tooth that has darkened after a knock.
How it works here
Under local anaesthetic, with a microscope so we see every canal, using instruments driven by an endomotor. Usually one or two visits, then the tooth is rebuilt, often with a crown. Details at Root canal treatment under the microscope.
Reviewed by Dr. Voinea ·
CMDR Romania · Galați University of Medicine and Pharmacy · General Dentistry