Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through decay or injury.
Having the treatment saves teeth that would otherwise have been extracted.
The treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed. The pulp can be infected or inflamed due to either deep decay or an extensive restoration that involves the pulp, cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma, excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp, and sometimes as a result of severe gum disease.
Root canal treatments are relatively comfortable and often painless as the tooth is anesthetised during treatment. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
After treatment a root canal treated tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures.
