Root canal therapy (RCT) is a procedure commonly used to control pain. Provided the circumstances allow, it offers an alternative to extraction and will ‘save’ the tooth. RCT is recommended when the nerve within a tooth has become infected, as a result of an inflamed nerve going untreated. This can happen through extensive or prolonged decay, trauma to the tooth, or injury occurring around the mouth.
The aim of a root canal is to remove the inflamed or infected nerve and surrounding bacteria, in turn, ‘cleaning’ the canal/s. The canals are enlarged and shaped specifically to accommodate the placement of anti-bacterial medicines and filling materials. This procedure is done over two appointments, and once completed, the chamber/s are sealed and a crown is placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.