Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected. During a root canal treatment, the nerve and pulp are taken out and then the tooth is cleaned and sealed. If you don’t have this treatment, the tissue around the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

Root canal is the description of the natural cavity (socket) within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft region within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve is located within the root canal.

Your tooth’s nerve is not especially important to your tooth’s health and function after it’s surfaced from your gums… its only job is to recognise feelings, for example, to make you aware of the difference between hot and cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day activity of your tooth.

Have a look at the image of a tooth on the right-hand-side.

It’s important in root canals to remove the damaged nerves and pulp, as there are harmful multiplying bacteria that will cause infection and ongoing tooth pain.

Extracting a tooth is not recommended as it has serious implications and cause further problems later… for example bone loss. Bone loss will affect your other teeth at a later date, costing a lot more than if you fix it properly NOW!

We will do everything we can to help preserve the quality of your teeth and gums.

Root canals are not a complicated procedure and afterwards you will require a crown (cap).
Even though your root canal has been thoroughly cleaned, repaired and sealed, Dental Crowns are necessary to protect your tooth from any damage.