Root canal treatment removes bacteria or infections from inside your tooth. It can prevent a tooth being extracted or save an infected tooth from further damage.
Root canal treatments can be carried out over one or two appointments and your dentist will advise which is more appropriate in your particular case.
A local anaesthetic will be used to ensure the procedure is comfortable and a sheet of rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to protect the tooth against further bacteria getting into the canals. The rubber dam helps to protect you from the chemicals we use to disinfect the canals within the tooth
In 75-90% of cases, root canal treatment will successfully prolong the life of your tooth. Your dentist will advise you on your particular case.
It is important to appreciate that despite us taking a great deal of care in your treatment unfortunately it is not always possible to achieve a successful outcome and reinfection can occur.
Our dentist with special interest in root canals, Dr Lucy Powrie uses the latest microscope to increase the chances of success to the maximum. Learn more about our microscope by clicking on the link.
The alternative is to have the tooth extracted. Once the pulp has died, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
