Teeth are held in the jaws by their roots.  Front teeth normally have one root, but teeth further back have more.

At the core of each tooth is a soft mass of tissue called the pulp.  In a healthy tooth, the pulp contains living fibres, cells and nerves and a blood supply, extending into the root(s) through the root canal(s).

Decay or injury can destroy the living pulp.  Because dead pulp lacks a blood supply, it is more prone to infection, leading to an abscess and toothache.

Root canal treatment (also known as root filling or endodontics) means removing the damaged or dead pulp and a filling the space left.  The remaining tooth can then be repaired.

We will often take an x-ray to determine the number and shape of root canal(s), it will also help us to diagnose any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if any infection has spread beyond the tooth, along with painkillers if necessary.  If so, you will need to return to see the dentist/endodontist, once the symptoms have settled, so that the root canal treatment can be completed.

Without a root filling, a tooth with dead pulp will probably have to be taken out in the end.  There is also the possibility of infection spreading beyond the tooth itself.

Root fillings are usually successful and can last for many years, but re-treatment is also possible if infection recurs.  After the root canal treatment is completed, a filling or crown is put in place.  Root filled teeth can become darker than other teeth, but teeth whitening can be used to make them  look lighter.