Root Canal Treatment Newbury | The Rectory Dental Clinic

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, can save a severely infected or damaged tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. The dentist then cleans, disinfects and seals the root canals to prevent further infection. This treatment allows patients to keep their natural tooth instead of having an extraction.

The pulp inside a tooth contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, trauma, cracks or repeated dental procedures can allow bacteria to reach the pulp. These bacteria may then cause infection or inflammation. Symptoms can include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, pain when biting or a dental abscess. Some infections cause no noticeable symptoms, although an X-ray may still reveal the problem.

Root canal treatment aims to remove infection and preserve the natural tooth. Saving the tooth usually provides a better option than extraction. It maintains normal chewing function, prevents neighbouring teeth from moving and protects the appearance of the smile. After removing the infected pulp, the dentist shapes and cleans the canals. The dentist then fills them with a special material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals.