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Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or
nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay
or injury.
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal
system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal
treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth
may need to be taken out.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses
of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which
may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned
and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth
is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared,
the tooth is permanently filled.
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, 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.
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