Root canal therapy

This is a technique used to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to disease, decay or injury; also known as endodontic treatment.

The pulp is made up of soft tissue consisting of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that extend from the base of the crown (the crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line) to the tip of each root.

When the blood supply to the tooth's pulp is cut off, the pulp dies. The most common cause of pulp death is from swelling of the pulp, caused by:

• Deep decay
• An injury or trauma
• A crack or chip in the tooth
• Broken fillings
• Deep fillings
• Extreme clenching and grinding

Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95 and with the administration of anaesthetic, is a procedure that can be completed with no discomfort. Depending on the severity of the infection, your current oral health and several other influencing factors, you may require several appointments.