The aim of root canal treatment is to clean out the infection from the dental pulp or nerve. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to treatment. Initially, the dentist will need to remove the top section of the affected tooth to access the internal structure. They will then use a series of fine dental files to remove the infection. Once this has been done, the canal and the interior of the tooth will be disinfected with a special solution. If an abscess has developed this will also be drained and disinfected.
The final stage will be to fill the tooth and cover the exposed area. This is commonly done by using a crown or overlay to strengthen the tooth. It may take two or three appointments to resolve the issue completely. We will do all we can to make the process as comfortable as possible. You will be offered to do this under dental sedation to make this experience more pleasant for you.