24th March 2014
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known at the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases, your tooth may darken in colour which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or dying). This would need root canal treatment.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
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 a abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If the root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. usually, a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
